Lenten Reflection Series 2023- March 15

Jesus gives us subtle hints of his divinity and true identity throughout the Gospel stories. Some are more obvious than others like his baptism and the transfiguration. Today's Gospel, our Blessed Lord tells us "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law of the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill."

The law of the prophets is the law revealed by God to the Israelites in the Old Testament. All of the stories, figures, and laws point to the Messiah. The person who will be sent by God to rid the Israelites of their enemies. We know this to be Jesus the Christ but to a naked Jewish eye, this wasn't so clear.

Sometimes we only look at peoples actions in the present moment and fail to look at the bigger picture. We become accusatory that someone or something is just trying to change the status quo and refuse to accept maybe they are making changes for the good or even bringing something to its completion.

We see this in our commercialized society everyday. We are all loyal to our brand of coffee or soap. Loyal to one news broadcaster or one newspaper. When someone or something new comes along we get upset. We tend to forget what we are comfortable with or enjoy isn't going away but rather is being completed or improved to include more people or help more people. We become selfish.

Jesus doesn't want us to be selfish. A heart that lacks humility and openness to the Word of God is a heart that will not see God face to face when our journey on this earth comes to and end. Do not break God's commandments and do not teach others to do so either, for God desires all of us to be equal and great in His kingdom.

God Bless,
Jonathan Molik
Pastoral Associate