Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Wednesday of the third week of Lent, March 26, 2025

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Deuteronomy 4: 1.5-9; Rs psalm 147: 12-13.15-16.19-20; Matius 5: 17-19OBEDIENCE The theme for our meditation today is Obedience. In anelementary school lesson, Vincent, a 5th grade student, asked his teacheras he said "Why do we need obedience in our lives?" The teacher whohas been an educator for decades replied in this way, "We need to obey therules that are existing because our lives need to be regulated and directed tobe better and we will achieve our goals." The teacher continued, that an obedient person is the onewho is under a higher authority or leader. A president must also be obedient,as he is under the power of Constitution and laws. At this point, Vincent, whowas not satisfied with the explanation, wanted to ask again. Then he said,"Who is really not in need of obedience?" The teacher replied: "The one who does not needobedience is someone already perfect. And we all know that the perfect one isGod Himself. It is God who sets all the laws and regulations, and then Hecommands His people to follow all those rules. All people of all nations andtribes of the world use the laws and regulations that God has established sincethe creation of the first human beings." Vincent and his classmates were delighted with the teacher'sfine explanation. They all understood. They realized that by being obedientduring school period, they would get good learning results and can finallycomplete well their education in elementary school. The conversation betweenthe teacher and the student at the primary school reminds us of two scripturereadings today. These two readings warn us in this Lenten season to always obeyGod's commandments and decrees for our salvation. There are two points of view that explain ourobedience. From the point of view of commandments or warnings, we are commandedto obey. God is powerful and demanding, that His people obey and follow Hiscommands. This is very emphasized in this period of penance. We are obliged tofollow and live by it, especially when we are commanded not to break the rulesand we are obliged to teach them to young people and children. From the point of view of awareness and maturity asbelievers, we choose and commit ourselves to obey to the existing rules. We donot need to be commanded and reminded repeatedly to obey and be faithful. Werealize that obedience and faithfulness to God is a true way of life forbelievers. This is being so emphasized as the discipline to be done during thisperiod of penance. Let each of us interpret which position each one belongs to.Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O Almighty God, weask that the spirit of our obedience to You will bear good fruit and steadilyin our daily lives. Hail Mary full of grace... In the name of the Father...