The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent
St. Patrick, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9
Psalm 147:12-13,15-16,19-20
Matthew 5:17-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture. . . .

“For this will show your wisdom and discernment...”

Sometimes it seems that all the Old Testament talks about is law, law, law. You’d get the impression that it was a rule book. However, if you listen in on some of the talk of our Jewish brothers and sisters you’d hear them say that the Law is a way of loving God. Obedience to that law is a way of being close to God in your daily life.

But law is more than written word, it is spirit. God did give rules to people Who were unruly -- they were rules designed to help these people find a way to Him. God gave us His Son as a way to Him. Jesus is the total fulfillment of the law. In loving Jesus, and in walking the way of Jesus, we’re being obedient to God.

“For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is whenever we call to Him.” Let’s remember that today, in all of our paths and in all of the ways we walk. Let’s remember that He is worthy of worship and praise. But more importantly, let us remember that worship and praise are simply expression of love. We don’t love our mothers and fathers out of duty, but out of the fullness of our hearts. Let’s take this great Lent and consider our love for God the Father. Let that love come from the fullness of our hearts, let our praise be love-songs. Let’s remember Him as the God who saves. For God speaks to us and says:

Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm;
for love is strong as death,
passion fierce as the grave.
(Song of Solomon 8:6)

God's love for us is stronger than death, it has conquered death completely, it has slain death for us. Praise God and his most glorious Son Jesus Christ.

- JuandelaCruz

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2004 The Way, The Truth, The Life

posted by joachim at 5:59 AM