Daily Readings - Wed Mar 27 2019
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
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.