6th Sunday, Year A 2026

Often in life we see only the tip of the iceberg while a whole other world lies beneath the surface. The same is true of every human heart—our own included. We sometimes puzzle over someone’s reaction and think, Where did that come from? Or we hear ourselves speak and wonder, Why did I say that? We sense there is more going on than meets the eye.

Jesus invites us, lovingly but firmly, to go beneath the surface. He speaks of murder and adultery—clear commandments—but then goes deeper. He names anger as the seed of violence and lust as the root of unfaithfulness. In other words, don’t just avoid the explosion; tend to the spark. He calls us beyond rule-keeping to heart-keeping.

Our emotions are not sinful in themselves. Anger, desire, passion are all part of being human. The question is not whether we feel them, but whether love shapes them. Even Jesus showed anger, yet his anger was always in service of love, always life-giving, always aligned with God’s purposes. Emotion guided by love helps build up while emotion left untended can tear down.

There was a boy who proudly told his teacher he had obeyed the rule not to push anyone in the playground. Later that day, the teacher noticed him standing with folded arms while another child was being bullied. “I didn’t push,” he said defensively. The teacher gently replied, “No, but you didn’t help either.” The boy then realised that keeping the rules was not the same as living its spirit. The rule forbade harm; love required courage.

This is what Jesus desires for us—not box-ticking faith, but transformed hearts. The religious leaders of his day were careful with regulations, yet Jesus longed for something deeper: inner lives and outward actions in harmony, hearts beating in rhythm with God’s mercy.

What drives us? Passing moods and bruised pride or faith, compassion, and love? St Paul believed the Spirit searches for the deep things of God and our depths too. The Holy Spirit is unafraid of our hidden places because that is where he goes to work.

As God enters more deeply into our hearts, freedom grows. Yes, we have weaknesses and reactions that surprise us. But by grace, we are not trapped by them. We can choose patience over harshness, generosity over resentment and courage over fear.

So keep praying: Come, Holy Spirit. Kindle in me the fire of your love. Ask not merely for better behaviour, but for a renewed heart.

Christian faith is not about scraping through on technicalities; it is about becoming Christ-like from the inside out. When love fills the heart, right actions follow naturally. The rules are no longer burdens—they become the joyful expression of hearts set free.

So, don’t settle for the minimum, dive into the depths where true life begins.

By Fr. Thomas O'Brien a.a.