At the hunt of their power, the Roman emperors commanded the territory that stretched as far west as modern-day Britain, as far north as modern-day France and Germany, and as far east as modern-day Israel. At the time when Jesus walked the earth, the Romans were indeed in charge of most of this territory. Anyone else who inhabited those lands had to comply with the rules that were outlined by those who were in charge.
When Jesus came along preaching a new way of living, expectations and hopes among the Jewish people were that at sometime soon a new Messiah - which is to say a new ruler - would come along. The disciples and many of those who heard Jesus speak thought perhaps that he would be the one to fulfil this role. This is the context in which today's reading can be understood. Whereas the disciples were hoping that the old laws and rules might be abolished in favour of a new kingdom, Jesus wanted to clarify things. He said to them: Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets: I have come not to abolish but to fulfill (Mt 5:17).
What about us? Do we have any expectations about Jesus? Do we have hopes and dreams about what our relationship with Jesus might or should be? Have we been disappointed when we discover that our expectations sometimes fall short, or don't seem to be fulfilled at all? The problem with this mentality is that somehow we think that we can control God instead of being part of His eternal plan. Today, let's just ask our God to use our talents and gifts as He sees fit. Then just sit back and marvel at the wonderful things that unfold.
Have a great day.
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