Daily Readings - Wed Mar 10 2021
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
In today's readings, we reflect on the enduring importance of God's laws and their fulfillment through Jesus Christ. The first reading from Deuteronomy emphasizes Moses' instruction to the Israelites to adhere to God's precepts, not just for their survival but as a testament to their wisdom and closeness to God. This passage underscores the responsibility to teach these laws to future generations, ensuring they remain central to their identity and faith.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who affirms that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. This fulfillment is not about diminishing the law's importance but about embedding it deeper into our hearts and actions. Jesus highlights the law's permanence, stressing that even the smallest part remains significant. This teaching challenges us to not only follow the law but to embody it in a way that inspires others, making us great in the kingdom of heaven.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to live with integrity, guided by moral principles that reflect God's love. Just as the Israelites were to teach their children, we too should pass on these values, whether through words or actions. Jesus' fulfillment of the law reminds us that our faith is not just about rules but about a way of life that honors God. Let us strive to live faithfully, knowing that our commitment to God's teachings profoundly impacts our lives and the lives of those around us.