The Gospel for the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity is from St. Matthew 22: 34-46. This selection contains two short conversations between Jesus and the Pharisees. Both conversations show ways in which Christ both continues and transcends the Old Testament. In Matthew 22:34-40, we see the basic principles of the Law. Jesus, like some other teachers, finds the purpose of the Law in two great commandments: to love God above all and to love one's neighbor. These two commandments summarize the principles of the Hebrew Scriptures, and Jesus embodies both kinds of love in His person. His public ministry manifests His application of these basic principles in various situations.
In the second part of the Gospel selection, Matthew 22:41-46, Jesus points to His fulfillment of the Old Testament. He applies rabbinic methods of interpretation to Psalm 110. Jesus implies that He is the Messiah (or the Christ). He points out that the Messiah is unique. He is far greater than His ancestor David. In fact, this interpretation implies that Christ shares divine majesty. This powerful claim will continue to be developed in the rest of Christ's earthly ministry and throughout the New Testament. Jesus is both a great teacher and the greatest descendant of King David. Yet, He is much more: He is God the Son incarnate, the unique mediator and redeemer!
