Daily Readings - Wed Mar 27 2019
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
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.