Lent, 3 Wednesday – Deut 4:1,5-9; Matthew 5:17-19

Before entering a pagan land, Moses warned the Israelites not to adopt the customs of its people. He made it clear that God’s Law is our most effective defence against idolatry. Yet time and again, the people seemed to ignore His guidance. Did they not trust God? Or were they simply seeking a more pleasurable way of life?

Fast forward a few thousand years – are we really so different from the Israelites? We continue to live by the commandments. After all, we still say our prayers, attend church each Sunday, sometimes read a religious book and even browse Catholic websites. Yet at the same time, there’s a casual disregard when it comes to small misdeeds: for example, taking a ream of paper from the office, justifying it by pointing out that others are swindling the business of far greater amounts. Some people leave shops with trivial, unnecessary items without a hint of guilt, reasoning that others spend much more. Likewise, spending the night with a partner is often downplayed – after all, many have done so for years. And when family discord arises, little is done to reconcile differences, with many preferring to say, “We didn’t start it.”

God gave us the commandments to make life easier, not more complicated. So, do we truly trust Him, or are we simply in search of a more pleasant life?

Lord, I gaze upon You and see Your freedom in the loving sacrifice of Your life on the cross for me. May Your grace guide me, so that my efforts to follow Your commandments become a true sign of freedom and love. Amen.