15 March 2025 - Saturday of the 1st week of Lent
Homily
Already in the Old Testament, as we can see from the book of Deuteronomy, obedience to God was not simply the fearful observance of a set of rules. Of course, there were many ‘commandments and statutes’, but they had to be observed with the heart and soul. This observance was part of a relationship with God. It was an agreement between God and the people, a covenant: Yahweh would be their God, and they would be His people. As for the people, they had to walk in God's ways.
Later, through the prophets, the people gradually learned something about God's ways. But the full revelation was made by Jesus, through His teaching, His life and His death.
God's ways are ways of love, love without distinction. So if we are to live as His children should, we must have a heart that makes no distinction between stranger and neighbour, countryman and unknown, friend and enemy. We must be a sister or brother to everyone and everyone must be considered a brother or sister to us.
If these very simple recommendations of the Lord were observed, many international conflicts could easily be resolved. Many community problems would also be solved or would not exist.
This is, of course, something we have heard many times before, but it takes on a special meaning in this Lenten season, as we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery of our Lord's death and resurrection.
Today's readings remind us that love has a price.
Armand Veilleux