3rd Week of Lent: Wednesday, 18th March 2020

The passage from the Book of Deuteronomy describes Moses reminding the people about being obedient to the laws and customs that they learned. By doing so, they will prosper and take possession of the land promised to them by God.

The passage speaks about the fundamental loyalty that is essential to Israel’s relationship with God. Obedience is the key to maintaining this relationship, which has been made tangible by Israel’s possession of the land. It is also this unique relationship with God that makes Israel unlike any other nation on earth.

Through his life and teachings, Jesus came to reveal the true meaning of the laws and customs of the Old Testament. He explains what the law and the prophets wished to say, and in this way, Jesus brings the Old Testament to its fulfilment. By this, Jesus appears as the authoritative interpreter of the Jewish tradition.

It is in keeping and observing the teachings of Jesus that we, as Christians, maintain our unique relationship with God. It also means that it is when we are obedient to the teachings of Christ, as taught to us by the Church, that other people will come to recognise and respect our relationship with God and our uniqueness as the disciples of Christ.

Lord, help me be obedient to You.