Breaking the Word

1^st week in Lent, Tuesday – 28^th February 2023 – Isaiah 55,10-11;  Mt 6,7-15

Life-Giving Movement

This short reading comes from the last chapter of the second part of Isaiah (chaps. 40-55), from the book of consolation. It presents the life-giving movement and efficacy of the Word of God, which is illustrated by the metaphor of rain and snow, an image denoting new creation. The heart of the image here is life. We are talking here about moisture – rain and snow that come down and water. The earth is not the life-giver in this illustration. It is the rain and snow, moisture from above, that causes the earth to prosper, “giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater.” When the earth does not receive this moisture, life shrivels-up. What is green turns brown. Seeds do not sprout and grow. And so, the natural illustration turns towards its ultimate purpose: “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth.” This is about God’s word that gives life, that does what it is intended to do, that accomplishes, that succeeds in God’s purpose. This is God’s word that does not return empty: “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Is 40,8). Therefore, the power of the Word of God should not be underestimated. Because God’s Word accomplishes the purposes of God – repentance, faith, and salvation. The believer participates in this work of God.

1^st week in Lent, Monday – 27^th February 2023 – Leviticus 19,1-2.11-18; Mt 25,31-46

Acts of God’s Love

The first reading from the book of Leviticus gives an expansion of the ten commandments. Today’s text presents some practical ways of living out our love for the neighbour. Although most of the precepts are in don’ts, such as “you shall not…”, we can turn them around to see how we should be treating those around. There are some do’s that pays greater attention to one’s neighbour: “Treat other people’s properties with respect. Be honest. Be fair in your dealings with others. Pay back those to whom you owe money. Treat the disabled with dignity, helping them as they need assistance….” (Lev 19,11-18). Living out these would mean to be involved in the lives of others who are in need. We are being called to be unselfish and think of others rather than ourselves. In doing so, we are loving God who loves each person unconditionally. We serve other persons because this is what God wants for them: a life of dignity and acceptance.  God has decided to make us instruments of divine love. We can be the source for others to come to know God’s love by the way we lovingly treat them. Some people may never experience God’s loving concern for them unless we reach out with compassion and care.