Saturday of the First Week
Deuteronomy 26:16-19, often referred to as “The Covenant” is to me one of the most seminal passages in the Old Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures. Here Moses proclaims to his people the agreement between God and the Israelites – the latter are to obey His laws and listen to Him and in return He will make them His chosen people. This special relationship will exist until Christ, Himself a Jew, proclaims salvation for all who put their trust in God, Jew and gentile alike. Set in the period shortly before the prophet’s death, during the exodus just before crossing the Jordan river, it follows a lengthy recapitulation of God’s laws and exhortation to follow them.
Psalm 119:1-2,4-5,7-8 is again an exhortation to follow God’s laws, a blessing on those who do, and a prayer to God to remember His covenant.
In the Gospel of Matthew, 5:43-48 Jesus goes beyond the Mosaic laws of the Covenant, urging his disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. As God loves all His creatures, He charges His disciples (and us) to do the same and to seek heavenly perfection. Christ does not negate the old laws but rather adds to them, in a “new and everlasting covenant”.
Lord, keep us in Your love and guide us in Your ways. Amen.
Bill Thompson, Worshipping Community
Scripture
Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
