Wednesday of the Third Week

Reflection

In our readings today, we are reminded of God’s life-giving, salvific statutes and ordinances, through which, according to the first reading from Deuteronomy, God provides us with the opportunity to become a “great nation” and a “truly wise and intelligent people.”

As we continue through the third week of Lent, these readings contain words of great hope but also of considerable challenge to, as Moses described it, “…be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live…” And, as Jesus stated, “whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

It seems to me that a relevant analogy can be made between these readings and my academic discipline. In mathematics, we introduce foundational definitions and axioms upon which we build beautiful, intricate, and far-reaching theories and fields of study. Although some find the “rules” of mathematics challenging, they provide the groundwork for much progress across many areas. In terms of our own spiritual development, everyone can grow and benefit greatly from the “smallest letter or smallest part of a letter” of the law which Jesus came to fulfill and provide the ultimate model for our daily lives.

As the first reading and responsorial psalm attest, we are so greatly blessed to have received these statutes handed down from generation to generation and to have a God so close to us that He sent us His only begotten Son for our salvation. As the Gospel verse so aptly summarizes: Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; You have the words of everlasting life.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for providing us with the words, principles, and example which lead to everlasting life. Day by day, may we more heedfully listen to Your call, follow Your example, and fulfill Your precepts.

George Ashline, Professor of Mathematics

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