Abolish the Law and the Prophets?

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent
Readings: Dt 4:1, 5-9; PS 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Mt 5:17-19

A famous funny line comes to mind:

Every one complains about the weather but nobody does anything about it.

Actually, before global warming it was funnier.

The Law

Beautiful is Moses’ warning in the book of Deuteronomy.
Obey the law carefully …

Observe them carefully,
for thus will you give evidence
of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations.

These laws, says Moses, are not the Decalogue alone, not at all.
Rather he warns:

[Be sure] 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 to your children’s children.

He is warning that the Exodus event gives the fullest meaning to the ten commandments. The amazing confrontation with the Pharaoh, the journey into the Reed Sea, the parting of the waters, the mana, the water from the rock, giving of the law, on and on. This speech of Moses we read today is given in the setting of just prior to entering Canaan, the end of the Exodus journey.

Remember your journey! Then remember the law.

Journey of divine mercy.
Journey of protection and being an alien in a foreign land.
Journey of oppression to freedom.
Journey with others yearning to be free.

Things got more complicated right away.

Jesus Confirms

Jesus confirms the speech of Moses and the commandments.

Don’t break the law which includes the Exodus event itself.

Did you not read the Transfiguration message?
Did not Moses and Elijah speak to Jesus about his exodus?

So every letter and every tittle shall be preserved.
Read the law well that all will be well with you.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry