Ezekiel 18:21-28 / Matthew 5:20-26
The difference between obedience and defiance is in that thin blurry line.
When it is to human authority and instructions, we can oscillate between obedience and defiance.
Because as human beings, we are fickle and it depends on how the instructions suit us.
So if we are agreeable and it is convenient to us, we will obey or accept it.
Otherwise we will disregard or defy it. But we must be prepared to accept the consequence of our defiance.
In the 1st reading, what is presented to us is the repentance of a wicked person, as well as the renouncement of an upright man.
While the repentance of a wicked person has its rewards, the renouncement of an upright person deserves punishment.
But in the gospel, Jesus tells us that if our virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and the Pharisees, then we will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
So, when it comes to God’s Commandments, there should be no question about our obedience.
Because when we disobey or defy God’s Commandments, then we are asking for punishment.
But why do we want to disobey or defy and get punished when we just have to obey and receive blessings.
Let us ask the Lord to deepen our virtue so that we will obey His Commandments and live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and be blessed with His love and peace.