Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Third Sunday of Lent: March 3, 2024

Exodus 20;1-17: We can readily see that our Creator demands three important commitments of us regarding God: obedience, respect and singular devotion to our one True God. The demand for obedience is not  motivated by a desire to control us; but springs from God’s desire to protect us and spare us from dangers that might befall us. Reflect that God’s Commandments are way more life-enhancing than “freedom-restricting.” Even God’s demands for “rest” from temporal pursuits and concentration on spiritual self-development on the Sabbath are a gift to us; not an imposition. Imagine how our contemporary world might look differently if we, so carefully prioritized conforming ourselves to God’s Will for us!

Psalm 19: “Lord, You have the words of everlasting life.” This praise of God’s Law and Commands voices enthusiasm and grateful appreciation for the wisdom and grace imparted by God’s Law.
The psalmist reflects upon how the justice and fairness of God’s Law bring joy to the heart. Reflect on how obedience to God’s Law enhances and supports healthy and holy relationships.  Pondering on the Wisdom and holiness reflected in God’s Law brings insight that surpasses mere human understanding. When the author refers to “fear of the Lord,” this isn’t referring to lack of trust or a fear of being destroyed or eternally “damned.” This “fear of the Lord” is more like a sincere and devout reverence for the Lord; combined with an intense love for God and a desire to please our almighty Creator.

1 Cor 1:22-25: We reflect upon whether we accept the “True Message” of Salvation that God is giving us, regarding God’s Law, via Jesus, throughout the Gospel. Jesus is, after all, the Incarnation of God’s Law! In His life on Earth, Jesus provides the perfect human role-model for living out God’s Law.

Jesus’ life perfectly displays God’s Spirit of Love, mercy and self-sacrifice, as embodied in God’s Law. God’s Law and love for us are to be mirrored in our love and service toward others. Our love and generous self-sacrifice are the inevitable fruit of our obedience to God’s Law.

John 2:13-25:  Now, we see Jesus’ dutifully fulfilling the Law, as He travels to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, as commanded in Jewish Law. Not only does Jesus fulfill the Law, but He       instructs us that not only the letter of the Law must be considered and adhered to. When He drives the merchants and money-changers out of the Temple, Jesus teaches that we must also adhere to and obey the Spirit of the Law; (a motivation of life-giving Love and service; not of commercial self-gain or exploitation of others’ spiritual needs).

Some of the Jews present don’t accept Jesus’ authority and direction. They ask for a “Sign” that will validate and verify Jesus’ legitimate authority over them. When they refuse to obey and submit to God’s Will, Jesus refuses to accede to their disrespectful demands. Good and evil are at a temporary impasse, but the Law emerges victorious!

Awe-struck,
Deacon Matt