Daily Retreat 03/18/09
2009 Mar 18 Wed: Lenten Weekday/ Cyril of Jerusalem, bp, dr
Dt 4:1. 5-9/ Ps 147: 12-13. 15-16. 19-20/ Mt 5: 17-19
From today’s readings: “What great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?... He has proclaimed His word to Jacob, His statutes and His ordinances to Israel.... Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
God’s Commandments
Many think of any commandment just as an impingement on absolute freedom. However, the commandments given to us by God lead us to fulfillment of the high dignity to which we are called and for which we were created - living our lives as loving children of God! It is in fact when we transgress God’s commandments that we make ourselves less than what we are meant to be - when we lie, cheat, or steal, for example, we have cheapened ourselves, and hurt others in the process.
Moses points out how attractive are the commandments when lived out faithfully, demonstrating wisdom and intelligence in those who keep them. When we realize this insight, we realize how much we have to gain by keeping God’s commandments, thereby giving us even more reason to faithfully fulfill everything God asks of us.
Dt 4:1. 5-9/ Ps 147: 12-13. 15-16. 19-20/ Mt 5: 17-19
From today’s readings: “What great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?... He has proclaimed His word to Jacob, His statutes and His ordinances to Israel.... Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
God’s Commandments
Many think of any commandment just as an impingement on absolute freedom. However, the commandments given to us by God lead us to fulfillment of the high dignity to which we are called and for which we were created - living our lives as loving children of God! It is in fact when we transgress God’s commandments that we make ourselves less than what we are meant to be - when we lie, cheat, or steal, for example, we have cheapened ourselves, and hurt others in the process.
Moses points out how attractive are the commandments when lived out faithfully, demonstrating wisdom and intelligence in those who keep them. When we realize this insight, we realize how much we have to gain by keeping God’s commandments, thereby giving us even more reason to faithfully fulfill everything God asks of us.
posted by FrPitstick | 3/16/2009
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