A Summary of the Teachings of Jesus

by Fr. Jerome Cayetano  |  02/15/2026  |  The WORD in other words

In order for us to understand the meaning of the Gospel account, it is imperative that we have to understand the context where Jesus is coming from, most especially in the mind of the writer, the evangelist Matthew. Matthew would like to present to his audience, that is, his community that his Gospel is the "the Gospel of fulfillment." Jesus is the Son of God who fulfills the Law and the Prophets. So, for Matthew, the whole of Matthew chapter 5-8 is considered to be the summary of the teachings of Jesus, which begins with the Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes serve as the foundation of the teachings of Jesus. It is dubbed the "Magna Carta" of Christians. He (Matthew) would like to present Jesus as the "New Moses" who teaches about the "Kingdom of God" and the one who perfects and fulfills the law and the prophets. Indeed, Jesus fulfills them in a sense that he continues and deepens the meaning and the interpretation of the law and the prophets. Sometimes, he replaces them. For Matthew, the teaching and fulfillment of the Law is an expression of doing God's will which is now centered on Jesus Christ. He is the Kingdom of God in person, thus the heart of the law and the prophets. Jesus teaches us (his disciples) how to fulfill God's will and to live in right relationship with God and our neighbors and, needless to say, attain a certain degree of holiness and perfection as we live our life in the community. I would like to highlight some of the teachings of Jesus.

ON ANGER. Moses forbids killing because we have no right to take the life of the other person. God is the only origin and source of life. Thus, the giving and taking of life is the prerogative of God. In our culture of "saving one's face" where honor is valued, hurting the feelings of others might resort to violence. So, to avoid the vicious cycle of violence and revenge or retribution, Jesus advises us not to use abusive language and insults such as calling the person "raqah" which means "you fool" or "you stupid" which will just exacerbate anger, eventually leading to violence, conflict and killing. Jesus enjoins everyone to seek forgiveness and reconciliation even before we worship God. As brothers and sisters of one Father, we have to prevent conflict through negotiation, dialogue and reconciliation (forgiveness).

ON ADULTERY. Just as anger can lead to murder. A lustful eye can lead to fornication, adultery and other sexual sins. Both are capital sins. To look at the person lustfully is to reduce the person as an object of desire and pleasure, thus, the sin of lust dehumanizes the person. Associated with adultery, fornication or any sexual sins is covetousness (Ex 20:17). In Jewish culture, a person's spouse is his possession. Thus, taking another's wife or husband is a sin of injustice. Jesus advises us to give high regard and honor to marriage because it is a sacred union of two persons who become one flesh in the eyes of God (Mt 19:6). Thus, anyone who disrupts this union sins against God and one's own flesh (Eph 5:28) and breaks the covenant with God.

ON DIVORCE. God upholds the indissolubility of marriage because it is a covenantal relationship which is based on faithfulness, loyalty and love. Through the covenant relationship, Israel is bound to God as his spouse, thus they are forbidden to worship other gods, which is considered to be adultery or fornication. Moreover, God says, "I hate divorce". (Mal 2:16). St. Paul addresses his community of believers: "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her...So (also) husband should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the Church, because we are members of his body". (Eph 5:25, 28-30) Mind you, a validly contracted marriage cannot be dissolved by the Church, although the Church can declare a nullity, that is, there is no marriage at the very start or beginning in the husband-wife relationship.

ON OATHS. Jesus stresses the importance of honesty in relationships. Thus, we are all bound to stand by our words, promises and vows we make before God and people. Thus, it is forbidden to make a false oath or promise or to make a commitments that are bound to be broken. Christian integrity is demanded that we honor our words and actions at all times. To lie and not to fulfill our words is to follow the Devil who is the father of all lies. To stand for the truth no matter what it is, is to stand for Christ, the Truth.

Incidentally, we have just launched the Charity Development Appeal last Sunday. I therefore urge and enjoin all parishioners to actively respond to this. You can do it by mail or online (QR code). If you opt for mail, please don't send cash. Just cut a check. I believe in you my dear parishioners. With God's grace and your generosity, we can reach our target this year.