Daily Readings - Wed Mar 27 2019
Deuteronomy
1"And now, O Israel, listen to the precepts and judgments which I am teaching to you, so that, by doing these, you may live, and you may enter and possess the land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, will give to you5You know that I have taught you precepts as well as justices, just as the Lord my God has commanded me. And so shall you do in the land that you will possess6And you shall observe and fulfill these in practice. For this is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, so that, upon hearing all these precepts, they may say: ‘Lo, a wise and understanding people, a great nation.7Neither is there any other nation so great, which has its gods so near to them, as our God is present to all our petitions8For what other nation is there so renowned as to have ceremonies, and just judgments, and the entire law that I will set forth today before your eyes9And so, guard yourself and your soul carefully. You should not forget the words that your eyes have seen, and do not let them be cut away from your heart, throughout all the days of your life. You shall teach them to your sons and to your grandsons
Matthew
17Do not think that I have come to loosen the law or the prophets. I have not come to loosen, but to fulfill18Amen I say to you, certainly, until heaven and earth pass away, not one iota, not one dot shall pass away from the law, until all is done19Therefore, whoever will have loosened one of the least of these commandments, and have taught men so, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever will have done and taught these, such a one shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven
Sermon
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the enduring importance of God’s laws and their role in guiding our lives. In Deuteronomy, Moses addresses the Israelites, urging them to follow God’s precepts to inherit the Promised Land. He emphasizes that these laws are not just rules but a source of wisdom, setting the Israelites apart as a people close to God. Moses also stresses the importance of passing these teachings to future generations, ensuring the continuity of faith.
In the Gospel, Jesus reaffirms the significance of the law, stating that He has come not to abolish but to fulfill it. He highlights that every part of the law, even the smallest detail, holds importance until all is accomplished. Jesus teaches that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes from both following and teaching these commandments, underscoring the balance between action and instruction.
These readings remind us that God’s laws are not mere regulations but a blueprint for living a life aligned with His will. They call us to integrate faith into our daily decisions and actions, guiding us toward wisdom and integrity. As we navigate life’s challenges, let us embrace God’s teachings, not as constraints, but as a path to transformation and greatness in His eyes. By living and sharing these truths, we honor our faith and contribute to a world that values justice, compassion, and love.