Embracing Scripture: The Old and New Testament Connection
March 6, 2024 - Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent
Deut. 4:1, 5-9; Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20; Matt. 5:17-19
The reading from Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 highlights Moses' impassioned plea to the Israelites to faithfully observe the statutes and ordinances given by God. Moses stresses that obedience to these laws is crucial for their prosperity in the promised land. The uniqueness and wisdom of these commandments are meant to distinguish the Israelites from other nations. Moses urges them to diligently impart these laws to their children, ensuring the continuity of faith and the preservation of God's covenant.
The theme of the exclusivity of God's commands is echoed in Psalm 147. The psalm celebrates the homecoming of Jewish exiles from Babylon in 538 BC and the reconstruction of the temple in 515 BC. The psalmist reminds the people that God's word and commands are specifically for them (see Ps 147:19-20). However, these blessings are not exclusive to the Israelites alone. The psalm also foretells the universal proclamation of the Gospel to all nations by declaring that the Lord "sends forth his command to the earth" (Ps 147:15). The synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—culminate with Christ's directive to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
In today's Gospel passage, Jesus asserts that He did not come "to abolish the law or the prophets" (Matthew 5:17). The phrase "the law and the prophets" signifies more than mere commandments and regulations; it encompasses the Old Testament, which narrates the history of salvation leading to Jesus. The mystery of Christ is veiled within the narratives and events of the Old Testament. Understanding how God interacts with humanity, our origins, and the purpose of creation requires acknowledging this foundation.
Jesus further explains that He came to fulfill the law and the prophets in ways that were unforeseen. Benedict XVI notes that Christ's paschal mystery aligns with the prophecies and shadows of Scripture while also introducing elements of change in relation to Old Testament practices (Verbum Domini, 40). Saint Paul affirms that Christ is the culmination of the law (Romans 10:4). Nevertheless, this does not imply disregarding the Old Testament; rather, it underscores its importance in guiding our understanding of Christ's fulfillment.
Saint Gregory the Great aptly captures the essence of Jesus' statement, highlighting the progression from the promises of the Old Testament to their fulfillment in the New Testament. He said: "what the Old Testament promised, the New Testament made visible; what the former announces in a hidden way, the latter openly proclaims as present. Therefore the Old Testament is a prophecy of the New Testament; and the best commentary on the Old Testament is the New Testament" (in Verbum Domini, 41).
I encourage you once again to delve into the entirety of Scripture as a personal letter from God to us. Find joy in studying and reflecting on its teachings, allowing them to shape your life. As you grow in understanding, share this wisdom with others, contributing to God's kingdom.