Wednesday of the Third Week

Reflection

In today’s first reading, Moses shares with the Israelites what God has revealed to him about the statutes and decrees they are to live by as they move to the Promised Land. He admonishes them to observe them carefully, as that will demonstrate to others how to live their lives properly. By their observance of these laws, they will enjoy a close relationship with the Lord, their God, who made them the chosen people. No other people had the benefit of having their God so close to them during this time. As a result, they recognize that they are special in the eyes of God! The challenge for them, then, is to live by these statutes and decrees and pass on to future generations what they have been given.

The Gospel reading of Matthew today reaffirms the directive from God handed down to Moses regarding the commandments and passed down by the prophets until Jesus tells His disciples, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” As a result, those of us that are followers of Jesus share an even closer relationship with God than that experienced by the Israelites at the time of Moses. He came to demonstrate how we are to live our lives by following these statutes and decrees, and further promises to be with us in a special way each time we receive Him in the sacraments. If we observe His commandants, we are promised that we can continue to be with Him forever in the Kingdom of God.

Prayer

Jesus, You came to help us live in a way that will assure our joining You in Your Kingdom. Help us to live by Your laws and example while You were with us on Earth, so we may enjoy being with You forever. Amen.

Jerry Flanagan, ’71 and P’94, P’98, P’01, P’11, Senior Philanthropic Advisor

Scripture

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9
Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

 

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website