By Amalraj A. csc –
Readings: Dt 4:1,5-9; Mt 5:17-19
Today’s readings emphasize the importance of God’s laws. In the first reading, we see how Moses became a sign for the people of Israel to walk in the path of God. Also, he instructs the people of Israel to live with God’s Commandments and to teach the same to their children without forgetting God’s blessings and wonders in their lives.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus Christ makes it clear to his disciples that the law of the Old Testament still stands. Basing on the teachings of Jesus, people thought that he would replace the rules of the Old Testament and that there would be a great change. Jesus stated that he did not come to replace or erase God’s commandments or open a back door to heaven for his followers. Instead, he challenged everyone to follow the commandments and taught them how to live their lives in the spirit of the law.
As we are in the third week of Lent, it is time that we all look at our lives and see how far we have followed the commandments in true spirit. The true spirit of the commandment of Moses is to love God and remember his love throughout our lives. The love for God should be seen in the love we have for our fellow brethren. The greatness of a person is in the way he teaches and inspires others. If we have not given much importance to the simple commandment that Jesus gave us to live, which is the commandment of love, let us make it a point to show a small gesture of love every day to the ones in need, thus inspiring everyone to fulfil the commandment of Jesus in true spirit.