Families have rules. Without rules, family life would be chaos. As a family, brainstorm a list of rules that you are all called to follow in your home in order for you all to get along together. Think about rules for play time, rules for eating, rules for how to speak to one another, rules for going out with friends, and so on. Emphasize that families follow rules as a way of showing love and respect for one another.

Explain that in this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus talks about following the Law. Say: God’s Law of love can be thought of as rules that we are to follow in order to show our love and respect for one another. Read aloud this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 5:17–37. Talk specifically with one another about how anger is to be dealt with in your family. Conclude by praying for the grace to overcome anger and to show respect for one another as a family by following God’s Law of love.

Jesus teaches that obeying the law means more than just avoiding sin. We must also avoid anger, dishonesty, and selfishness. Faith is not just about rules but about living in a way that brings love and justice. Jesus wants us to follow the law because we love God and others, not just because we have to.

This week, we should ask ourselves if we are only following rules or truly living God’s teachings in our hearts.

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