Daily Readings - Wed Mar 07 2018
Deuteronomy
1Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.5See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it.6Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."7What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?8And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?9Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
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.18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.19Anyone who breaks 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 practices and teaches these commands 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.