Daily Readings - Wed Mar 26 2025
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
The readings today remind us of the enduring importance of God’s law and its role in our lives. In Deuteronomy, Moses exhorts the Israelites to listen to and observe the precepts and judgments of the Lord, emphasizing that these teachings are the wisdom and understanding that set them apart as a chosen people. He urges them to teach these laws to their children and grandchildren, ensuring that the faith is passed down through generations. This passage underscores the idea that living according to God’s law is not only about obedience but also about living a life that reflects His love and care for us.
In the Gospel, Jesus affirms the importance of the law, declaring that He has not come to abolish it but to fulfill it. He emphasizes that every detail of the law remains significant until all is accomplished. Jesus warns that loosening even the smallest commandment undermines the integrity of the law and diminishes one’s place in the kingdom of heaven. Conversely, those who live by and teach the commandments will be considered great. This passage highlights the continuity of God’s plan and the call to live with integrity, respecting the fullness of His teachings.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God’s law. They remind us that the law is not a burden but a gift, a guide for living a life that honors God and reflects His love. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace the teachings of Scripture, not just as rules to follow, but as a way of life that shapes our choices, our relationships, and our witness to the world. Let us strive to live with fidelity to God’s commandments, teaching them by our words and actions, and trusting that in doing so, we will find true wisdom and greatness in His eyes.