Readings: Deuteronomy: 4:1,5-9; Psalm 147; Matthew 5:17-19
In our first reading we read of Moses setting up the new covenant with the Jewish people. He gives them the ten commandments and all the statutes and ordinances, 613 in the book of Deuteronomy, that make up the whole law that was kept in the time of Jesus. Thus, they would be God's chosen people and have the promise of the Messiah to come from them. Moses tells them to pass down these laws from generation to generation.
The response to this reading is "Praise the Lord, Jerusalem".
In our Gospel passage, Jesus takes the place of Moses and reminds them to continue to keep the law of Moses. The law is part of the Kingdom of heaven and will not pass away. Thus, we are called to keep the commandments and this means in the way we love our God and our neighbor. Thus, we continue this third week of Lent to Pray, Fast and give Alms.