1st week in Lent, Saturday – 4th March 2023 – Deut 26,16-19; Mt 5,43-48
Binding Covenant
Today’s first reading from the last part of the Book of Deuteronomy presents the laws that one must follow. Moses reminds the people of the solemn agreement that has been made between God and his people: “You have obtained this declaration from Yahweh.” The declaration is that He will be their God only as long as the people, “follow his ways, keep his statues, his commandments, his customs, and listen to his voice.” It is a mutually binding contract. If they do that, God will look favourably upon those who seek to do the will of God. In this way, they will stand out among all peoples as a people consecrated to their God and outstanding in their virtue. However, the Gospel spells out more clearly of how far the commandments and statutes are to be observed. It emphasizes on the interior attitude and on mutual relationships between God, other people and oneself. The laws of the Old Testament emphasize on the external observance of rules and regulations. It binds as a covenant between God and his people.
