Wednesday, March 11, 2026

 

Daily Office 
Dt 4:1, 5-10; Ps 147:13-21; Mt 5:17-20 

So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. 
. . .

But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children— 

Deuteronomy 4:1, 9

He gives snow like wool;
    he scatters frost like ashes.

He hurls down hail like crumbs—
    who can stand before his cold?

He sends out his word, and melts them;
    he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.

Psalm 147:16-18

Living in tumultuous times certainly makes parts of the Bible come to life. The Psalms and stories of the Old Testament become more vivid as challenges described suddenly appear familiar and resonate deeply. All of today's passages meet the moment we are experiencing.

As I write this I am struggling with the fact that it seems like for one group of the world's inhabitants, war has been reduced to a concept, while for others it has taken over life — something to suffer under or to use to survive. These can lead to a certain numbness, manifesting in apathy, or resignation. 

How did we get here?

Raise your hand if you feel like you have whiplash. At least the weather — mild, freezing, high winds, no winds — compliments the news. A full-body experience.

Who is actually sleeping well?

Earlier this season, Jonathan wrote about the comfort available to us in God's statutes. Do not kill, love thy neighbour . . .
Today's passages create a sort of tabernacle where we can consider them: How important God's imperatives are. How important to follow them faithfully, to hand them down to future generations. How following God's law improves us and makes us more worthy to be followed by others.

This is not about elevating ourselves, but submitting to God. Being benefited by this as individuals and communities of people. How important it is to remember.

Do not think I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish, but to fulfill.  
Matthew 5:17
 
Thanks be to God. 
 
Alison Goodwin 
 
 
 
The King Of Love My Shepherd Is    The Choir of St. Francis de Sales Church 
Ajax, Ontario, Canada
 
 




 

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