Daily Readings - Wed Mar 23 2022
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 remind us of the enduring importance of the law as a guide for living a life pleasing to God. In Deuteronomy, Moses emphasizes the importance of remembering and teaching the commandments to future generations. He presents the law not just as a set of rules, but as a source of wisdom and closeness to God. In Matthew, Jesus affirms the enduring nature of the law, making it clear that His mission is to fulfill, not abolish, the commandments. He emphasizes that even the smallest part of the law remains important, and how one applies the law matters deeply.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on the law as a foundation for a life of integrity and closeness to God. In Deuteronomy, the law is presented as a gift that sets Israel apart as a wise and understanding people. In Matthew, Jesus teaches that the law is a foundation for the kingdom of heaven, and how one interprets and applies it has consequences for their standing in God's kingdom. Together, these readings remind us that the law is not a burden, but a guide for living in a way that reflects God's wisdom and love.
In our daily lives, we are called to approach the law not as a set of rules to follow mechanically, but as a way of life that shapes our character and relationships. The law, as given in Deuteronomy and affirmed by Jesus, calls us to integrity, justice, and love. It challenges us to live in a way that reflects the wisdom and closeness to God that Moses spoke of, and to consider how our actions and teachings align with God's will. Ultimately, the law is a call to live with integrity and to let God's love and justice shape every aspect of our lives.