Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Fifth Sunday of Lent: March 17, 2024

Jeremiah 31:31-34:  As Jeremiah speaks prophetically about the New Covenant, he contrasts it with the Mosaic Covenant. We’re told that this new covenant; unlike the old covenant, won’t be broken and will last forever. Unlike the old covenant, which was written on stone tablets; this New Covenant will be much more relationship-oriented. It will be written in humankinds’ hearts! This metaphor suggests that this new “Covenant-relationship will penetrate to the people’s very soul. This Covenant won’t have to be written down, as “knowledge of God” will be able to be gleaned from merely observing the virtuous lives of those who live the Law of the Covenant. This week, let’s reflect on how powerful this “leading by example” (of following the Law), could be. We can literally spread the Gospel message by example.

Psalm 51: “Create a clean heart in me, O God.” One could say that we’re asking the Lord to write the Law on our hearts, as described in today’s first reading. In the first verse, we’re asking God to give us and fill us with the mercy and compassion that are the heart of the Gospel message. With sincere repentance, we admit sin and guilt and earnestly seek forgiveness for breaking the Law. When asking for a “clean heart” and a “steadfast spirit,” we’re asking for the complete healing of our spirits that only Jesus, as our Savior and Redeemer can bring. In essence, we’re asking for grace that only God can give. This grace will enable us to live the Law more fully and meaningfully.

Hebrews 5:7-9: Jesus is the greatest of all role-models for living the Law and adhering to it! Jesus gave His all… even His very life, to be able to open the New Covenant to both Jews and Gentiles. As Jesus “learned obedience through suffering,” so we’re also occasionally called to suffer at times, in order to strengthen our faith. We see in this passage, that Jesus is truly human. He has some fear of death, but He prays, reverently and our Heavenly Father answers Him. Notice that this passage states that Jesus “was heard… because of His reverence.” Approaching God with reverence is important. Having reverence means having respect for someone whom we acknowledge is superior to, or above ourselves. Let’s consider this week whether we show sincere reverence for God when we pray. Do we offer God thanks, glory and praise or do we sometimes approach God like we would Santa Claus, with a list of “outcomes” we desire?

John 12:20-33:   We conclude this Sunday’s reflection on following the Law with Jesus’ own beautiful example of how to perfectly “live the Law.” Reflect on the fact that Jesus loved His God, (our Heavenly Father) and us, so perfectly, that He gave His very life for us! Certainly, giving one’s life for God and neighbor witnesses to loving with one’s whole heart, mind, soul and body! Our own Savior, Jesus, lived the Law so perfectly, that He allowed His own heart to be pierced for love of us!
Let’s reflect this week on how well we’re following the Law and our God. Are we loving and serving God and neighbor with reverence, respect and out of a spirit of love and self-denial? Let’s ponder this carefully & Thoughtfully,

Deacon Matt