Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent
Today, the Book of Deuteronomy describes Moses as the great teacher of the Chosen People. The Book is made up of three very long speeches in which Moses explains to the people how much God loves them. God entered into a special relationship with Israel. God would be their God. They would be God’s beloved people.
Today’s reading begins with Moses saying, “Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live …” That is why the people should observe the Ten Commandments—so they would have life and stay in communion with God.
When Jesus wanted to quote the Old Testament, He often used the Book of Deuteronomy. Remember the Gospel about Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Satan tempts him to change a stone into bread. Jesus responds, “Not on bread does one live, but on every word from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3). In the other two temptations, He responds again with words from this same book. It must have been one of his favorites.
Moses, at the end of today’s reading, exhorted the Israelites “not to forget” and “not to let slip from your memory” the words and deeds of God. That reminds me of what St. Benedict says about humility. He wrote in his Rule: “The first step of humility is … to shun completely all forgetfulness and remember constantly everything God has commanded” (RB 7: 10f.).
Humility starts with remembering how much God loves us.
Reflection: How often do I remember how much God loves me?
Reflection by Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources