We are approaching the middle of Lent, and today’s readings are typical of those in the first part, emphasizing what we, followers of Christ, must do to grow closer to him. The gospels of the second part of Lent, from the upcoming Fourth Sunday, focus more closely on Jesus himself, the many miracles he performs, and the encounters he has with the Pharisees that eventually lead to his arrest.

In today’s Gospel, drawn from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds his listeners, both Pharisees and ordinary villagers, that he has come to fulfill the law, not to abolish it. Indeed, if we look at the Beatitudes, we can see them as expansions on, fulfillments of, the Ten Commandments. He wants to make clear that those who obey and teach the law, most especially the Ten Commandments, “will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven,” while those who break even “one of the least of these commandments… will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.”

The first reading, from Deuteronomy, shows Moses urging the people to “observe carefully the ‘statutes and decrees’” the Lord has given them, laws that must not be taken for granted.

A good day, perhaps, to review our program for growing closer to Our Lord this Lent.

Prayer:

Save me, Lord. Grant that I may long for, do, and perfect those things that are pleasing to you and beneficial for me. Give me counsel in my anxiety, help in time of trial, solace when persecuted, and strength against every temptation. Grant me pardon, Lord, for my past wrongdoings, correction of my present ones, and protection against those in the future. Amen.  (Eleventh Century Prayer)