Lent, gospel and reflection, 26 March

 




Matthew 5:17-19

[Jesus said] ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.


Sacred Space

You can find a gentle devotional aid with today's gospel here:

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-03-26/

"God's revelation about himself and what he was asking of us came only gradually over a very long period. The keeping of the law and the prophets could never be enough to redeem and save us. Christ alone could do this, but by living according to the law and the prophets the people of God were being prepared for the later acceptance of the teaching of Jesus who came with a new and unique authority to complete and to fulfil the law. It is Christ that we now look to in seeking to live what God is asking of us.

Lord Jesus, help us to live according to your teachings and your example and to practise what we profess in our faith."


Today's gospel raises these questions, amongst others:

  • Who was Jesus and what did he come to earth to do?
  • What are the 'law and the prophets' that he came to fulfil, and/or what is their meaning and essence?  What does it mean for us?
  • Perhaps we can find an answer to the latter question in this scripture and the words of the prophet Micah:

You mortals, the Lord has told you what is good. This is what the Lord requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

 

Christian Art

You can listen to or read a reflection on the theme of today's gospel here:

https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-5-17-19-2025/



You can find some in-depth reading on Matthew 5:17 here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_5:17


Join us in person for Midweek Holy Communion

You can join us in person for Midweek Holy Communion on Wednesdays at 10.30am in St Mary's Church, South Mall, Westport. 

St Mary's is accommodating the Holy Trinity Church of Ireland congregation while the church remains closed and awaiting repairs.





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