Wed Mar 23, 2022

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Just a simple observation from today's readings: Our greatness as nations rests upon faithfulness to God's laws and commands.

This is the promise Moses gives the Hebrew people before they enter the Promised Land (Dt 4:1,5-9):

“I teach you the statutes and decrees as the LORD, my God, has commanded me, that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy. Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’ For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?”

In psalm 147, David calls his people to worship God, the Source of their security and blessings: “Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you.” David proclaims Israel's chosen identity among all the earth's peoples. They are the only nation that has received the revelation and statutes of God, Who rules the world: “He has proclaimed his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel. He has not done thus for any other nation; his ordinances he has not made known to them.”

In today's Gospel (Mt 5:17-19), Jesus tells us He has come to fulfill the Law and promises of God's word. Our blessedness in His Kingdom will come from how we abide by His Gospel and teach our children to do the same:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, 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 greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Our greatness as a nation comes from laws and cultures that reflect the Gospel's values. No amount of political campaigning, ideological correctness or military muscle can obtain the blessings that God bestows.

My God, give the people of this nation hearts that long for the joy of Your Son's Gospel. Awaken within us a hunger for the peace beyond all understanding that comes from faithfulness to You in Him. Give us the courage to seek first Your Kingdom in all things. For therein lies Your promise of abundant life in Christ, in Whose Name we pray. Amen.

Link to Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032322.cfm



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