March 15th

March 15, 2023
Wednesday of the 3 rd Week of Lent
Readings: Dt 4:1, 5-9/Mt 5:17-19 (239)
Julian Ohizu: Campus Minister

 The commands of the Lord are meant to be yet another sign of God’s love for
the people whom God has chosen.  The words of Moses in today’s first reading and the
Gospel remind us that the commands of the Lord are signs of God’s love for the people
whom he chooses. The laws of God are reminders of the relationship God established
with the Hebrew people.      In the responsorial psalm, we see this same theme repeated
and speaks to us of the fact that God has not proclaim the divine message other than to
the Chosen People of God.  Again, in the Gospel, Jesus reiterates that he does not come
to abolish the law, rather he comes to fulfil the law and the prophets. In fact, the close
relationship which God has demonstrated through the giving of the commandments is
fulfilled in the teaching of Jesus.
The precepts of God are not meant to restrict us and our freedom, but to draw us
closer to God.  Parents set certain parameters with their children, especially when the
kids are young, not to prevent them from having fun, but to protect them from harm. 
Such things as “not playing in the street” is meant to keep them safe.  The early “rules”
that parents set down for their children are primarily a list of “Don’ts.”  This was
because youngsters have to learn the meaning of “No!” although they, like all children,
sometimes chose to break the rules. 
This is what God has done with the people of Israel, not only in the Ten
Commandments, but in other ways.   Thus, in relationship to the Ten Commandments,
in particular those that deal with others, I personally move beyond the commands and
prohibitions and seek to do that which enhances my relationships with others. And that
is what I want to share herein.   Instead of thinking what I can do so that I will not
dishonor my parents, I will strive to love them for the love God has manifested through
them.  Instead of seeing how I can avoid murdering and hurting others, I will seek what
is the best for others because they, too, are loved by God.  I will not just avoid bearing
false witness against my neighbor, I will do what I can so they will know the truth about
God, and I will do what I can to edify and build up my neighbor because they are loved
by God and by me.  I will not just abstain from stealing and taking things from others, I
will see how I can share what I have with them, especially those who have less than I do
or who are in need of my help, for I will want the best for them since they are my sisters
and brothers in Christ. This has been the motivation behind my relationship with
people. Even when I am strict with people, my action is spurred by the love of God that
I want them to experience.

In a similar way, some people only seek to do the minimal to squeeze themselves
into the Reign of God, while others are constantly in search of an ever-deepening
relationship with the Lord Jesus and His Father.  They want to do what is right and
share the Good News, not because they have to do so, but because they are enthusiastic
about all things related to God’s loving them and their loving other members of God’s
beloved people.
Thus, I will strive not so much to just avoid sinning, instead I will seek to develop
what more I can do to live out the relationship with God, and also with others, for I am
in relationship with them through my relationship with God.  And I will want to share
that relationship and teach that lifestyle to others, not so that I will be great in the
kingdom of God, but because I will want others to experience the ever-deepening
relationship with God.

 The personal question/action for today:  How do I see rules and regulations as
being an aid in deepening my relationship with God and with others?  Have rules
and regulations ever been at odd with my drawing closer to God?  How have I
dealt with those tensions?  Did I end up coming to a deeper understanding of
how God wants me to respond to the divine love?  What can I do to reflect to
others the love which God has for them?