Meditation
for Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent
(Deut 4:1, 5-9; Mt 5:17-19)
In our quest for greener pastures
and greatness, we embark on education, training, travels, etc. For this reason,
do parents send their children to good schools, even at detrimental costs. After
outlining our paths to greatness, we then run to the great God in prayer to
grant us success. But Moses addressed the people of Israel that greatness is
found in God. If we believe that God is almighty, the path to greatness becomes
the path to God; in Him do we find greatness. According to Moses, keeping God’s
commandments becomes a step forward in the path to a great and successful life; a righteous
path full of wisdom and understanding.
Then, the commandments of God
become a treasure for us; a treasure envied by those who do not have them or who
do not observe them. As we plan a great future for our children, Moses insists
we must hand over to them this one treasure that can make them great. “Make
them known to your children and children’s children.”
In the gospel, Jesus says He came
to fulfil the law and the prophets, to bring every iota of them to fulfillment.
Already, the commandments of the Lord as a path to greatness has reached its completeness
in Christ Jesus. Meditate on this; think about our staggering journey on the
pathway of the law, and our unfulfilled desire for greatness. Now, see in
Christ Jesus the gracious and holy ‘arrival’ in whom every iota of the law is
fulfilled. Since the commandments lead to greatness, what a burst of greatness
there is in Christ Jesus! Thus, we embrace Jesus; we listen to Him and emulate
His life of sacrifice. And we teach our children the life of Jesus. No one in
Christ Jesus relaxes any aspect of the commandments. “But he who does them and
teaches them shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.” Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Wednesday March 23rd, 2022.
