May the Lord give you grace and peace. It is on 15th March 2023. We reflect on Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; and Matthew 5:17-19.
Who is that someone or something that keeps away from God?
God’s loving intimacy with us is unmatchable and incomparable with anything under the Sun. The distance between God and us reducing by following God’s laws and commandments. God expressed God’s desire to live amidst us right from the beginning. We are the ones having issues avoiding God by not obeying God’s laws and decrees.
“Indeed, what great nation is there that has its gods so near as the Lord our God is to us?” (Deut.4:7). God’s nearness in our family, relationship, church and workplace is an undeniable reality. God manifested God’s abiding presence through God’s only Son Jesus. Yet, we find it hard to relate to a loving God due to our choices and chores. Our blessings and wisdom depend on the way we follow the commandments of God. God is with us for sure. Are we with God?
Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the Preacher of the Papal Household, delivered his second Lenten homily to Pope Francis and pointed out, that “the ultimate sin” is a “refusal to glorify and thank God.” This seems strange to us: “not glorifying and thanking God doesn’t seem to us such a terrible and mortal sin.”
The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.” (Ps.147:1).
Jesus, who came to complete the Law desired that we truly follow the law in the spirit not just by its print. The promotion of God’s law is seen in the way we follow them. “Whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt.5:19). We are not rendering any help to God by following the law rather it helps us and makes us relate with one another. Having known the law, we need to follow them and teach them to others. It is the law of love that revives our life always. Without love, we cannot follow any law if we do, then it is an eye-wash. May the Lord help us realize our nearness and intimacy with God by loving others and obeying God’s commandments. Have a lovely day. God bless you.