Daily Readings - Wed Mar 07 2018
Deuteronomy
1"And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.5See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.6Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'7For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?8And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?9"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children--
Matthew
17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.18For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.19Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the enduring importance of God’s law and its role in guiding us toward a life of faithfulness and holiness. In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites of the precepts and judgments that God has given them, emphasizing that these teachings are not just rules but a way of life. He urges them to observe and fulfill these laws carefully, not only for their own benefit but also as a witness to the wisdom and closeness of God. Moses also stresses the importance of passing these teachings down to future generations, ensuring that the people of God will always remember the divine presence in their lives.
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 part of the law, down to the smallest detail, remains essential until all things are accomplished. Jesus teaches that true greatness in the kingdom of heaven comes not from dismissing the commandments but from living them out and teaching others to do the same. This passage reminds us that the law is not a burden but a gift, a way to live in harmony with God’s will and to grow in holiness.
Together, these readings challenge us to approach God’s law with reverence and gratitude. They remind us that the commandments are not just ancient rules but a living guide for our daily lives. As we go about our day, let us ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that reflects God’s love and truth? Am I teaching others, by my words and actions, the importance of following Christ? Let us strive to be faithful stewards of the teachings we have received, trusting that in doing so, we will find wisdom, peace, and greatness in God’s eyes.