Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent

• First Reading – Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9: Moses teaches the Israelites the statutes and decrees that the Lord has commanded him, with the aim that they observe them in the land that they will occupy. Moses stresses the importance of carefully observing these laws, as they will demonstrate the Israelites’ wisdom and intelligence to other nations, and he also warns them not to forget what they have seen and learned, but to pass it down to future generations.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 147: Jerusalem, praise your God who strengthens your gates and blesses your people. His command sustains the cosmos, His laws unique to Israel, a privilege not given to others.
• Gospel – Matthew 5:17-19: Jesus tells his disciples that he has not come to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill them. He emphasizes that even the smallest part of the law will not pass away until all things have taken place, and those who break the commandments and teach others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven, while those who obey and teach the commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.

Matthew 5:17

The readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent focus on God’s laws and our call to live faithfully. They remind us of the wisdom and responsibility we have in following His commandments.

• God’s law brings wisdom: Moses teaches that following God’s commandments shows wisdom and understanding. When we live by His laws, we show others the goodness of His ways.
• Obedience strengthens our faith: The first reading reminds us to follow God’s instructions carefully. Obedience helps us grow closer to God and stay on the right path.
• Teaching future generations: Moses calls the people to pass on God’s laws to their children. This shows the importance of sharing our faith with others so that it continues to grow.
• Jesus fulfills the law: In the Gospel, Jesus explains that He came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. His teachings build on the commandments and guide us to live more fully in God’s love.
• Faithfulness in small things: Jesus warns against breaking even the smallest commandments. This reminds us that small acts of faithfulness are important in our daily lives.
• Living as a light: By following God’s law, we become a light for others. Our faith and actions can help lead others to God.

The readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent invite us to honor God’s law with our lives. They call us to live faithfully, teach others, and let our actions reflect His love.

The readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent remind us of the gift of God’s law and the responsibility to live it out. They call us to reflect on how we share our faith, follow Jesus’ teachings, and obey God’s commandments. These reflections help us grow in faith and love.

Passing on Faith to Others

In the first reading for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Moses tells the people to pass on God’s laws to their children. This was not just a command but a reminder of their responsibility to share their faith. By teaching the next generation about God’s ways, they would keep His word alive in their hearts and lives.

This message is important for us too. We are called to share our faith with others, especially with children and young people. When we teach others about God, we help His love and truth grow in the world.

Faith is not something to keep to ourselves. Sharing it strengthens our own understanding and builds a stronger community of believers. Lent is a good time to reflect on how we can share God’s teachings with those around us.

Jesus Fulfills the Law

In the Gospel for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Jesus explains that He has come to fulfill the law, not abolish it. This means He does not replace God’s commandments but completes them. His life and teachings help us understand how to live the commandments with love and faith.

Jesus shows us that the law is not just a list of rules. It is a way of living that draws us closer to God. Through His example, we see how love is at the heart of every commandment.

By following Jesus, we can live God’s law more fully. His teachings guide us to go beyond the basics and focus on what truly matters—loving God and others. Lent is a time to look at how we follow God’s law in light of Jesus’ example.

The Importance of Faithful Obedience

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent emphasize the importance of obedience to God’s laws. Moses urges the people to follow God’s instructions carefully, while Jesus speaks of the value of even the smallest commandments. Both readings show that obedience is an essential part of faith.

Obedience means trusting that God’s ways are good and lead us to what is best for us. Even when it feels difficult, following His laws helps us grow in love and holiness. Small acts of faithfulness, done with love, show our commitment to God.

Through obedience, we honor God and give Him the first place in our lives. Lent is a time to reflect on how we follow His ways and ask for His help to grow in faithfulness. Obedience strengthens our relationship with God and helps us live in His love.

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As we think about the lessons of Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, may we find ways to deepen our trust in God’s ways. Let us ask for the strength to live faithfully and share His teachings with others.

Prayer

Lord, help us to follow Your commandments with love and trust. Teach us to share our faith with others and live as an example of Your goodness. May we stay close to You in obedience and grow in holiness each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do you share your faith with others, especially with children or younger people?
• In what ways do Jesus’ teachings help you better understand God’s commandments?
• What small acts of obedience can you focus on during Lent?
• How does following God’s law bring you closer to Him and others?

Word on Fire: Fulfill the Law

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on how Jesus, in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, declares His intention not to abolish but to fulfill the Law. Criticizing the Pharisees’ hypocrisy and institutional corruption, Jesus remains a faithful Jew, embodying the law.

Bishop Barron emphasizes that Jesus aimed to transform, not discard, the core elements of Israelite religion into the Church’s practices and sacraments. Contrary to seeking spirituality without religion, Jesus presents Himself not as an abstraction but through the concrete, institutional presence of the Church, fulfilling rather than dismantling religious tradition.

What date is Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent?

The next date is Wednesday March 26, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent?

The Mass readings for Wednesday March 26, 2025 are:
First Reading – Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9: God’s commands for a life of wisdom
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 147: Praise for God’s blessings on Jerusalem, glory and gratitude
Gospel – Matthew 5:17-19: Fulfillment of the law and the prophets

Why does Moses tell the people to follow God’s laws in the first reading for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent?

Moses says that God’s laws show wisdom and understanding to others. Following them helps the people stay close to God and live in peace.

What does it mean to pass on God’s laws?

Passing on God’s laws means teaching them to others, especially to children. This helps future generations live in faith and follow God’s ways.

Why does Moses emphasize remembering God’s laws?

Moses says remembering God’s laws keeps them alive in our hearts. This helps us stay faithful and avoid forgetting the importance of God in our lives.

How does Jesus fulfill the law?

Jesus fulfills the law by teaching its full meaning and showing how to live it out with love and faith. He does not replace the commandments but helps us understand them better.

Why does Jesus talk about small commandments in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent?

Jesus reminds us that small things matter in faith. Even small acts of obedience show our love for God and help us grow in holiness.

What can we learn about obedience from these readings?

The readings show that obedience to God brings blessings and strengthens our faith. Obeying His laws helps us stay close to Him and live as He calls us to.

What does the Gospel teach about faithfulness?

The Gospel reminds us to be faithful in all things, even small ones. Faithfulness shows our love for God and helps us grow in holiness.

What does it mean to live as a light?

Living as a light means following God’s laws and being an example to others. Our actions can inspire people to turn to God and trust in His goodness.

Why are God’s laws important?

God’s laws guide us in how to live and treat others. They help us grow in love and stay close to Him.

How can we apply these readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent during Lent?

We can reflect on how we follow God’s commandments and strive to live them more faithfully. Lent is a good time to grow in obedience and share our faith with others.