Wednesday of the Third Week
In the first reading, Deuteronomy 4, versus 1, 5-9, Moses exhorts the Israelites to observe the laws that God has given. This will allow them to inhabit the promised land, Israel. Their observance of these laws will show the world their special relationship with God because of His closeness to them. He urges them not to forget them and to pass them on to their descendants.
The responsorial Psalm, extracted from Psalm 147 is a song of praise which sets Israel apart from other nations because only to Israel were these laws and ordinances given.
In the gospel, Matthew 5 versus 17-19, Jesus assures His disciples that He does not intend to replace the laws proclaimed by the prophets but rather to fulfill them. He goes on to say that these laws are eternal and are not to be changed in the slightest. Anyone who breaks them in even a minor way and teaches others to do so will be called “least in the Kingdom of heaven”.
It is interesting to me that in the gospel Christ does not directly say that these laws apply to everyone, not only to the Israelites. Nor does He say that those who break the laws will be damned - they remain in the Kingdom of heaven, though barely. Note that this penalty requires not only breaking the laws but teaching others to do so as well. He also implies that the “new and everlasting covenant” does not replace the law of the of the prophets but rather expands and fulfills it.
Prayer
Lord, Your laws are just and eternal, existing through all the ages. Help me to follow them all the days of my life and teach my children to do so. Amen.
Bill Thompson
Former Director of Computer Services, Member of the Worshiping Community
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19
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