Teach These Things March 14

By Melanie Rigney
Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent

“…Take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and your children’s children.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

“… Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19)

Piety

Lord, thank You for the gift of wisdom You share through Your Word and through this community. Help me to teach Your glory and good news through my thoughts, words, and actions.

Study
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/031407.shtml http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p3s1c3a1.htm

Today’s readings are all about teaching—and learning. In Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites that God has laid down statues and decrees for the way in which they are to live in their new homeland. In Psalms, we are further reminded that the Lord’s word has been proclaimed to Jacob and his laws communicated to Israel.

In the section of the Sermon on the Mount that is today’s gospel, Jesus does not turn away from these Old Testament teachings. “I have come not to abolish but to fulfill” the law and the prophets, he says.

Indeed, the Catechism of the Catholic Church says the sermon “does not add new external precepts, but proceeds to reform the heart, the root of human acts, where man chooses between the pure and the impure, where faith, hope, and charity are formed and with them the other virtues.” Jesus holds us accountable for this reform of our hearts by saying we are to obey and teach the commandments and warning that those who break even the least and teach others to do so “will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Action

St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” Use today’s readings as a starting point for an exercise in using words to teach others. Volunteer to help with CCD or an adult formation group in your parish. Share a part of your faith journey with an unchurched friend or appropriate work colleague. Talk with your children, grandchildren, spouse, or parents about what Christ means to you. Your actions speak loudest, but today, lift up your voice for the Lord as well.