The Person of Faith is deeply rooted in the Law of the Lord (10 Commandments), which many see as negative, restrictive and restraining. They see the Law of the Lord as laws of ritual purity and human discipline. But St. Paul takes great pains to explain God’s Law is not merely subjective laws imposed upon us by puritans and moralists but a law of love that is written on our hearts, creating true freedom. The law teaches us to live as God designed us to live. St. Paul explains:
They show that the demands of the law are written in their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even defend them on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge people’s hidden works through Christ Jesus (Romans 2:15-16).
This is the Natural Law. A law upon our nature that orders our lives toward what is naturally good and supernaturally just. The Natural Law is not a random disciplinary code imposed on us. Rather, it is part of our human nature. Through it, we know innately how we should live.
If one has a tool and uses it according to its design, then it works as it is supposed to. On the other hand, if one insists on using it counter to the way it was designed, it’s not going to work well. It will malfunction and break down.
Jesus uses the tree as a metaphor to help explain the Law of the Lord. A tree: It produces fruit when planted in rich soil and properly pruned. Yet, if planted in sand, the tree will not grow. It will not bear fruit.
St. Paul describes what happens to the tree (us) if planted in the ways of the world. If we “follow the council of the wicked” and “walk in the way of sinners,” when we don’t conduct our lives according to God’s instructions, we act against our nature and engage in
immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy,
drinking bouts, orgies and the like. (Gal 5:19)
He warns that those who insist in such behavior will not achieve their created end. They will not inherit the Kingdom of God. If we act contrary to God’s ways, we will live a toxic, dysfunctional life that corrupts our friendship with Him and others. We will use people for our pleasure not respecting them. This is the essence of sin.
Because we use people, our world is marked by hatred, jealousy, selfishness and dissension. We are not living according to our true natural desires: love. However, when we immerse ourselves in the will of God, we are like the tree growing by a running stream and sinking the roots of our souls deeply into His Kingdom. Sustained by his Word He nourishes us with that living water which is his grace. Planted in Christ, We, like the tree of life, bear fruits of:
“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Gal 5: 22-23)
Who wouldn’t want to live in a kingdom marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control? Since we long for these fruits, we cut off ourselves of from the unruly passions and desires so we can live in the Spirit. This is the purpose of Lent and its discipline. To be free to love God.