Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent
Today’s readings present an exhortation, by Moses in the First Reading and Jesus in the Gospel, to observe the commandments that the Lord has given us in order to be His genuine and authentic friends and to cross our life paths with His. The word itself, “commandments” might initially sound authoritative, strict, and severe.
However, as followers of God, Jesus taught us that there are just two commandments on which “hang all the law and the prophets.” (Mt 22:40)
Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
It might appear a manageable task. Easy to remember, easy to apply.
However, drawing from our adventures in our everyday lives, we know it is not.
We have to strive every day to fit those words that sound so nice on paper into our crooked, frenetic, anxious days.
Even though there are only two rules, sometimes we might feel that they are heavy on our shoulders - as heavy as the entire world.
A passage from Moses’ exhortation comes as providential when we feel that grave burden on ourselves: “For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?” (Dt 4:7)
It reminds me of Pope Francis’ words about God’s way of comforting his children.
Three pillars: compassion, tenderness, and closeness.
Sadly, over the last couple of years, we were taught to maintain a certain distance toward others, especially the sick and vulnerable ones.
As we walk through the crooked lines of our paths of life, it will be comforting and healing to know that whatever burden we are carrying on ourselves, there will be Somebody close and ready to take it up with us.
Edoardo Giribaldi, SFC '23
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