Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent
God’s law is at the heart of the readings for today. They call upon us to be attentive to how we are thoroughly living these statutes from the Lord. Moses’ plea in the first reading is to remind the Israelites just how very important it is to live God’s laws. He wants his spiritual children to remember that their actions will give spiritual evidence to one another and to those nations of people who will live around them. Moses does this in part to remind the people of Israel what happened to those who had built and worshiped the golden calf. The incident of golden calf drew many who were not strong in their faith to a bitter end. The Israelites would need to be strong especially as they interacted with people who had other values and other Gods.
When living in a land of many cultures and many faiths we need to be strong in our understanding of God’s laws. This reading speaks to a need from a few thousand years ago yet is that reality much different today? What are the gods of our own culture in which we live? In the diversity of our culture, are there influences that lead us toward a path to destruction? What must we do to be firm in our faith?
Today’s psalm reiterates the need for us to be single minded in adhering to the law. It reminded the people of Israel and now us that we to be grateful for God’s statutes and ordinances. We need to be people who joyfully live within the boundaries God has given. When we do this, our lives will glorify the Lord. Our Lenten observances are designed to draw us back into these boundaries. Take some time today to reflect on how the sacrifices you have committed to are drawing you back to God.
In the Gospel of Matthew today, Jesus refers to his mission as one to fulfill the teachings of the law and the prophets, not to abolish them. Like the first reading, the gospel reminds the disciples and us to truly live these commandments; those that fail to do so will be considered the least. “But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:19) Are we rooted in God’s commandments? If not, how is our inaction or misdeeds leading others to sin? What do we need to do to turn away sin?
Lord, You are our light and our salvation. It is in You alone we firmly root our faith. Use this Lenten journey to change our hearts so that our lives fully reflect our praise for You, Lord. Amen!
-Michael Montgomery