💖 HOMILY - MARCH 26

First Reading - Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9

Gospel - Matthew 5:17-19

The law of God is not meant to be a burden but a path to life, wisdom, and closeness with Him. The readings today remind us that God's commandments are not just rules to follow; they are an invitation to live in harmony with His will, allowing His wisdom to shape our lives.  

In the first reading, Moses presents the Law as a gift from God to Israel. It is not merely a set of restrictions but a source of identity, wisdom, and blessing. By faithfully observing it, the people of Israel would not only experience God's presence but also serve as a witness to other nations. Their faithfulness would reveal the greatness of their God and invite others to marvel at His justice and nearness.  

The Gospel passage reinforces this message through the words of Jesus. He clarifies that He has not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. In Him, the commandments of God reach their full meaning. Jesus does not reject the Law but deepens its purpose, calling for an interior transformation rather than mere external observance. He teaches that those who live and teach God's commandments will be great in His kingdom, while those who disregard them will be least in His sight.  

Dear friends, at times, we may struggle with rules and commandments, seeing them as restrictions rather than guidance. However, today's readings remind us that God's teachings are given to us out of love. Just as Moses urged Israel to cherish the Law as a sign of their closeness to God, we too are called to embrace the teachings of Jesus as a way to deepen our relationship with Him.  

Following God's commandments is not about mere compliance but about shaping our hearts and lives according to His will. They provide us with a path to wisdom, peace, and righteousness. When we live by them, we become witnesses of God's love and justice in the world, just as Israel was meant to be for the nations.  

Let us take a moment to reflect: Do we see God's teachings as a burden or as a gift? Do we follow them only externally, or do we allow them to transform our hearts?  

May we open our hearts to God's wisdom and strive to live according to His will. By doing so, we will not only experience His presence in our lives but also become instruments of His love and justice in the world.  

Let us pray for the grace to love and live by God’s commandments, finding in them the path to true freedom and closeness with Him.