THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Wednesday of the third week of Lent, 2022

Deut 4:1, 5-9

Ps 147

Matt 5:17-19

Be a willing  Instrument

Jesus was often critical of the religious tradition to which he belonged. He had heated arguments with the religious leaders of his tradition. Yet, he did not reject his Jewish religious tradition, even though it was not perfect.

 In this morning’s gospel reading (Mt 5:17-19) he declares that he has come not to abolish the Jewish law or the teaching of the Jewish prophets, but to bring them all to completion. He wanted to renew his religious tradition rather than cast it aside or walk away from it. He came to prune what needed pruning in his religious tradition and to bring what was good there to completion. That remains the work of the risen Lord in the church today. 

Despite its failings, the Lord does not reject the church, just as he did not reject his disciples who failed him. Rather, he works to renew the church, to prune away what needs pruning, and to bring what is good there to completion. He does that work in and through all of us, the members of his body. He needs us to be willing instruments of the Lord’s renewing work in his church and the world.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, grant this day, to direct and sanctify, to rule and govern our hearts and bodies, so that all our thoughts, words, and deeds may be according to your Father's law, and thus may we be saved and protected through your mighty help. Amen.

+Remain blessed