We don't have to be Biblical scholars in order to read the Bible. The Bible is a collection of 73 books (according to the Catholic tradition) which you can consider as books of classical literature. If you are more particular, you may classify them in finer details such as books of rituals, poems, history, novels, aphorisms, oracles and codes of behaviour etc. But for Christians, most of these books are considered family letters sent from their Father in heaven. They were penned by men but inspired by God. I said most because among the 73 books, there is at least one book which is obviously authored by men, and not by God. While most of the books are interpreted from God's perspective, this single book is a collection of songs written by men to express their emotions towards God. This is the Book of Psalm. But people can even find dig up prophecies in this book! People can find new uses of a hymnal. Isn't it amazing? The Bible is a gift bestowed by God and is central to the life of Christians. They draw inspirations from the Bible to deal with their daily life.
Imagine yourself studying Deuteronomy 30. How do you apply it to your present situation? St. Paul gave us an example.
For this commandment which I command you this day is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.
It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?'
Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?'
But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).
Moses was exhorting the Israelites to internalize the commandments God gave them. Moses understood the importance of internalization. When you obey the law out of fear of punishment, it is no use because punishment comes from without and you will find loopholes to escape. When you understand the spirit of the law and know well that the law helps you lead a happy life that you desire, helps you become a good man, you will want to follow the law out of your own initiative. The motivation comes from within. It is in your mouth and in your heart. When you are able to practise this, you will be a virtuous man.
For this commandment which I command you this day is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.
It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?'
Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?'
But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).
Moses was exhorting the Israelites to internalize the commandments God gave them. Moses understood the importance of internalization. When you obey the law out of fear of punishment, it is no use because punishment comes from without and you will find loopholes to escape. When you understand the spirit of the law and know well that the law helps you lead a happy life that you desire, helps you become a good man, you will want to follow the law out of your own initiative. The motivation comes from within. It is in your mouth and in your heart. When you are able to practise this, you will be a virtuous man.
When St. Paul was writing the epistle to the Romans, he was thinking of the inadequacy of the laws in bringing about justification before God. First of all, it is impossible to follow all the laws. There are always exceptions to the law. There are always situations which make us impossible to follow the laws to the letters.
Secondly, the laws are incomplete and cannot cover every aspect of our life, especially our spiritual life. You may be required by the law to fast once a week, but fasting does not guarantee true piety.
Lastly, keeping the laws gives us the false impression of achieving justification before God. The attitude of the Pharisees was a good illustration.
St. Paul was recommending another route to achieve justification. It is faith in Christ. Therefore, when he was writing to the Romans, he applied Moses' exhortation with a twist. Instead of the commandment, St. Paul thought of Christ. Christ replaces the law.
For Christ is the end of the law, that every one who has faith may be justified.
Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on the law shall live by it.
But the righteousness based on faith says, Do not say in your heart, "Who will ascend into heaven?" that is, to bring Christ down
or "Who will descend into the abyss?" that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.
But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart that is, the word of faith which we preach (Romans 10:4-8).
When the word of faith is on your lips and in your heart, you are justified, blameless before God.
With Christ in our heart, we will undergo transformation. We will become like Christ, become sons of God. Our sinful nature will be transformed to become saintly, that is to be dedicated to God and God alone. God will become the centre, the focus of our daily life. We no longer live for our sake, but for the glory of God and for the sake of our fellow men. St. Paul assures us that Christ is not far from us. Christ is within us. Whatever we do, we ask what Jesus would do.
Secondly, the laws are incomplete and cannot cover every aspect of our life, especially our spiritual life. You may be required by the law to fast once a week, but fasting does not guarantee true piety.
Lastly, keeping the laws gives us the false impression of achieving justification before God. The attitude of the Pharisees was a good illustration.
St. Paul was recommending another route to achieve justification. It is faith in Christ. Therefore, when he was writing to the Romans, he applied Moses' exhortation with a twist. Instead of the commandment, St. Paul thought of Christ. Christ replaces the law.
For Christ is the end of the law, that every one who has faith may be justified.
Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on the law shall live by it.
But the righteousness based on faith says, Do not say in your heart, "Who will ascend into heaven?" that is, to bring Christ down
or "Who will descend into the abyss?" that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.
But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart that is, the word of faith which we preach (Romans 10:4-8).
When the word of faith is on your lips and in your heart, you are justified, blameless before God.
With Christ in our heart, we will undergo transformation. We will become like Christ, become sons of God. Our sinful nature will be transformed to become saintly, that is to be dedicated to God and God alone. God will become the centre, the focus of our daily life. We no longer live for our sake, but for the glory of God and for the sake of our fellow men. St. Paul assures us that Christ is not far from us. Christ is within us. Whatever we do, we ask what Jesus would do.
The gospel reading today tells us the temptations Jesus underwent in the wilderness before his public ministry. Satan offered Jesus shortcuts to save the world. Jesus showed us that we should make God the centre of our life.
When we are hungry, lack of resources, put our trust in God for His word will satisfy our needs (Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3). When we face impossible situations and in need of miracles, refrain from demanding God to do the work for us (Matthew 4:7, Deuteronomy 6:16). When we are offered opportunities to gain wealth, power and whatever we fancy of, remember that God is our destiny (Matthew 4:10, Deuteronomy 6:13).
Once again, Jesus interpreted and applied the messages of the Bible in the particular situation he was put in. We should follow his footsteps.
When we are hungry, lack of resources, put our trust in God for His word will satisfy our needs (Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3). When we face impossible situations and in need of miracles, refrain from demanding God to do the work for us (Matthew 4:7, Deuteronomy 6:16). When we are offered opportunities to gain wealth, power and whatever we fancy of, remember that God is our destiny (Matthew 4:10, Deuteronomy 6:13).
Once again, Jesus interpreted and applied the messages of the Bible in the particular situation he was put in. We should follow his footsteps.
Dear Lord, following You is our honour. Let us make good use of the Lent season to revigorate our spiritual life. Amen.
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