THE DILIGENT MEMORY FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Meditation for Wednesday of the 3^rd Week in Lent

(Deut 4:1, 5-9; Mt 5:17-19)

“You see, anyone who keeps the whole of the law but trips up on a single point, is still guilty of breaking it all” (James 2:10). This is because the commandments issue from the same God, and are meant to achieve the same result. One might be tempted to be faithful in some of the commandments, while neglecting one or two others. Moses urged the people to give heed to the statues and ordinances of the law. He mentioned some of the immediate benefits of keeping the commandments: they will gain wisdom and understanding to the amazement of other nations. People would definitely testify to their greatness, the closeness and manifestation of God in their midst. However, he warned them to keep their hearts diligently, so that they would not lose MEMORY of the mighty works of God, which they ought to teach their children.

If they forget the divine touch in their lives, through a memory that is corroded with evil desires, they will not be inspired to keep the commandments. The greatest manifestation of God, the most intimate Divine touch in man, is given through Jesus Christ. He is the Living Memory, the Image of the Unseen God. Thus, we must keep our minds diligent not to lose the MEMORY OF CHRIST; His words and actions must always be alive in our hearts and minds. This becomes a source of inspiration and strength that leads forward to fulfil what the law aims at. Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them.”

In Jesus alone can we, with a single shot of grace, fulfil all the commandments! We might not remember all the statutes and ordinances of the law, but if we act in the name of Jesus and for His glory, we shall fulfil the law. And Jesus declares that every iota of the law must be accomplished. Now that we have been saved through Jesus, the greatness that the law gives is not just for human acclamation, “But he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Therefore, let us cling to Christ Jesus, and keep alive in the silence of our hearts the living memory of His words and actions. This is an important Lenten disposition that yields fruits of righteousness. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday March 10^th, 2021.
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