March 23rd, by Fatima Luevano: Freshman

March 23, 2022: Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Bishop
Fatima Luevano: Freshman
Dt 4:1, 5-9/Mt 5:17-19

Reflection

In today’s reading, from Lectionary, it explains how Moses speaks to the people of Israel
about how they should follow the Lord’s law and statutes. In return, the people of Israel are able
to live in and enter the land that the Lord has given them. Today’s Gospel from Matthew also
implies a similar message. In the Gospel, it is written, “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.” This can be seen as how we should all do our best in following what God has set out for
us to do. We shouldn’t be teaching others bad examples or false teachings of the Church.
However, the Gospel also implies, “but whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be
called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven”.
We hear that Jesus told his disciples that he came to fulfill not to abolish the law. Jesus
also told his disciples that in order to be called the greatest in heaven we must obey the
commandments. God's commandments are not harsh or strict rules that we have to follow rather
to follow the commandments to be conformed to the way of Jesus. That corresponds to our
deepest desires as humans. Our desires can be love, peace, and justice. The commandments do
not restrict our freedom but grant us more freedom when we choose to follow the good that
comes from God, even in the most difficult situations in our lives.
During this Lenten season, we ask ourselves how the commandments of God correspond
to our natural desires, whether that would be happiness or love. We are reminded that God is the
only one who can fulfill our deepest desires. 
 It is also important to try to be our best version of ourselves in choosing to be loyal,
giving, merciful, and faithful during this season. We are sinners and it is important to go to
reconciliation during Lent. By going to confession, we confess our sins so that we can become a
better version of ourselves and be ready to open our hearts during this season. Although it can be
hard and tempting. We must push ourselves to be faithful people in our Catholic faith, and we
are reminded that our main goal is to enter the Kingdom of heaven.