With the beginning of Ordinary Time, we follow the Gospel of Matthew as he leads into Jesus’ ministry. Matthew has his own particular insights in the way of recounting the Gospel story, with a real sense of drama and some unforgettable phrases (think of ‘get behind me Satan’, ‘thirty pieces of silver’ or ‘washed his hands’), and Matthew has the far better-known version of the Beatitudes and the Our Father which the Church commonly recites. Most of the Gospel readings given to us over the next two months from Matthew belong to what we call the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew, this has a role which can be compared to the account of the reception of the Law by Moses on Mount Sinai in the book of Exodus. Jesus is the new Moses, the new lawgiver – ‘you have heard it said..., but I say to you…’ (5.20ff.). Those who heard Matthew’s account of Jesus’ teaching in the early Church, and those who hear these texts today will continue to be struck by its uncompromising nature which will always be a challenge to those who seek to be disciples. In Year A, we also have the great Gospels from John during Lent that tie in with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. These great catechetical Gospels help unfold the great Mystery of Christ to those seeking entry into the Church, but they are also a rich source for contemplation for the initiated and will reward whatever time and effort is put into pondering them by all believers.