Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent
Wednesday March 11, 2026
Keep God’s Word Alive
On Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, we hear about God’s law and our call to live by it. Moses tells the people to remember what God has done and to keep His commands. Jesus also speaks about the law, saying He came to fulfill it, not to erase it. Both readings remind us that God’s word still matters today.
Moses urges the Israelites to pass God’s teachings to their children. He warns them not to forget what they have seen and learned. This shows how faith must be shared and remembered. It is not only for one generation but for all who come after.
Jesus teaches that following God’s commandments is not about rules alone. It is about living in faith and love. When we follow God’s ways, we show others what His goodness looks like. On Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, we are called to live as people who keep God’s word alive in what we do and say.
Daily Mass Readings for 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
Themes for the Readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent
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.
Reflection for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent
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.
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?
Homilies and Commentaries for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent
The Law That Leads to Joy
Bishop Robert Barron explains that Jesus presents himself as the New Moses by teaching from a mountain, just as Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Jesus says he has not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. This may sound strict to modern ears, especially in a culture that resists rules. But Jesus’ teaching begins with the word “Blessed,” showing that his law is meant to lead us to true happiness.
On Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Bishop Barron reminds us that God’s law is not a set of cold commands but a guide to joyful living. The moral path Jesus offers is not about saying “no” for its own sake but about saying “yes” to a deeper, richer life. His teaching is a roadmap to the happiness we were made for.
God’s Law Draws Us Close
God’s laws are not meant to burden us. In the first reading for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Moses tells the people of Israel that God is close to them through His Commandments. These laws are not just rules but signs of God’s love and guidance. They help people stay near to God and live with peace and justice.
Dr. Jem Sullivan explains that Jesus did not come to erase the law but to fulfill it. When we follow God’s commands, we are choosing what is good and true. God’s ways lead to real freedom, not less of it. God puts His law in our hearts so that we may grow closer to Him and find lasting happiness.
When You Love God…
In her reflection for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Sr. Louis Mary Passeri reminds us that loving God means keeping His commandments. Just like in the story from Fiddler on the Roof, where a wife shows love through daily acts of service, we show our love for God by living out His will.
Sr. Louis Mary also says we are not just called to follow God’s commands, but to teach them too—by our words and actions. She shares the story of a man inspired by seeing his grandmother praying. Her quiet faith left a lasting impression. Our example can also guide others. When we live what we believe, we help others come closer to God.
Your Place in Heaven
In the reading for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Jesus says He did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. He teaches that not even the smallest part of the law will pass away until all is complete. He warns against relaxing even the smallest commandments and says those who teach others to follow the law will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. This shows that our actions and our teachings both matter.
Matthew Kelly notes that this reading also points to different experiences in heaven. Jesus speaks about those who are least and those who are great in the kingdom. It invites reflection on how we treat God’s commandments. Sometimes we make excuses or try to be the exception. Jesus challenges us to stay faithful and not lower the standards. Even small choices can lead us closer to or farther from God’s way. Each moment is a chance to do what is right.
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.
Resources
The Book of Deuteronomy: Remember and Obey
This reading from Deuteronomy reminds Israel that their identity depends on obedience to God’s covenant. Moses calls the people to remember God’s laws as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. These commandments shape them into a nation that reflects God’s wisdom and justice before the world.
Within Deuteronomy, this passage fits the larger call to covenant faithfulness. It connects obedience to blessing and disobedience to loss. By urging the people to teach future generations, Moses points to the importance of memory and community. On Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, it invites us to renew our commitment to living by God’s word.
Psalm 147: The God Who Sustains
Psalm 147 celebrates God’s care for Jerusalem and all creation. It shows that His word is not distant but active, bringing life and order to the world. God’s laws and blessings are a special gift to His people, calling them to gratitude and praise.
Within the psalms, this hymn of praise affirms God’s ongoing presence with His chosen people. It reflects the theme of divine providence, where God’s power is joined with compassion. On Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, it reminds us that God’s commands are not burdens but gifts that strengthen and protect us.
The Gospel of Matthew: Fulfillment of the Law
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of fulfilling the law, not erasing it. He places Himself at the center of God’s plan, showing that the commandments find their full meaning in Him. His teaching deepens the law by connecting it to mercy, righteousness, and the heart’s intentions.
This passage reflects Matthew’s theme of Jesus as the new Moses. The Sermon on the Mount reveals how the law leads to the Kingdom when lived with sincerity and love. On Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, we are reminded that true holiness comes from living God’s word faithfully in both action and spirit.
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Light Upon the Law
This image for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent shows a scroll resting in sunlight, a reminder of God’s word shining through time. In Deuteronomy, Moses tells the people to remember God’s commands and teach them to their children.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus fulfills that same law. Use this image in bulletins, newsletters, or youth ministry materials to highlight the beauty of God’s lasting word.
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Questions and Answers for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent
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.
Obeying God’s Law with Faith
The readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent remind us of the importance of God’s commandments. In the first reading, Moses speaks to the people, urging them to follow God’s laws carefully. He says these laws are a gift that shows God’s wisdom and goodness. By living according to His instructions, the people grow closer to Him and set a good example for others.
In the Gospel, Jesus explains that He has come to fulfill God’s law, not replace it. He emphasizes the value of every part of the law, even the smallest details. Jesus calls His followers to take obedience seriously and live faithfully. This shows that love for God is shown in how we follow His commandments.
These readings encourage us to reflect on our own obedience to God’s teachings. They remind us that living according to His law helps us grow in faith and bring others closer to Him. Lent is a time to renew our commitment to God’s word and live it out in daily life.
Your Turn
Take some time to think about the readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent. How do they challenge you to grow in obedience to God’s teachings? Reflect on how following His commandments has helped you live a better life.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section. Your reflection may inspire others to follow God’s ways.