Homily / Food for thought

Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent – 11 March 2026
Readings: Book of Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9 | Psalm 147 | Gospel of Matthew 5:17-19

1. Introduction

My dear friend, wherever you are listening from today—perhaps in your room, in the car, or quietly scrolling through your phone—God’s Word is speaking personally to you today.

Lent is not a season for crowds.
It is a season for one heart listening to God.

Today the Lord speaks about the commandments, the law, and the way of life. Not as rules to control us, but as wisdom meant to protect and guide us.

2. Life Story

A man once told his priest, “Father, I think my GPS is broken.”

The priest asked, “Why?”

The man replied, “Every time it tells me ‘Turn left’, I turn right. When it says ‘Make a U-turn’, I keep going straight. And then it keeps saying ‘Recalculating… recalculating… recalculating.’”

The priest smiled and said, “The GPS is not broken. You are just not listening.”

Sometimes our spiritual life is like that.
God gives direction, but we say:

“No Lord, I know a better way.”

Then life begins to say:
“Recalculating…”

3. The Word

In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses speaks to the people before they enter the Promised Land.

He says something very important:

“Observe the commandments… they will show your wisdom to the nations.”

In other words, God’s law was not meant to burden people.
It was meant to shape a wise and just society.

The commandments were a gift, not a punishment.

Then the Psalm reminds us:

God has not dealt with any nation as he has with Israel.

This means God gave them something precious: His Word.

Finally, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus clarifies something that confused many people. Some thought He came to abolish the law.

But Jesus says:

“I have not come to abolish the law but to fulfil it.”

Jesus does not remove the commandments.
He deepens them.

For example:

• The law said: do not kill.

• Jesus says: do not even hate.

The law said: do not commit adultery.
Jesus says: purify your heart.

Jesus moves the law from the outside to the inside.

Because God is not only interested in behaviour.
He is interested in the heart.

4. Three Practical Lessons for Today

1. God’s commandments are wisdom, not restrictions.
They protect life, relationships, and dignity. When we follow them, life becomes clearer and healthier.

2. Faith is not only about knowing the law but living it.
Many people can quote Scripture, but the real question is:
Do we practise what we know?

3. Do not forget what God has done in your life.
Moses says: “Do not forget the things your eyes have seen.”
Remembering God’s blessings strengthens faith.

5. Inspirational Quote

“God’s commandments are not chains that bind us;
they are lights that guide us home.”

6. Conclusion

My friend, today God is not asking you to become perfect overnight.

He is simply asking you to listen.

Listen to His Word.
Listen to your conscience.
Listen to the quiet voice that calls you back when you wander.

Because every time we ignore God, life begins to say:

“Recalculating…”

But the beautiful thing about God is this:
He always helps us find the road again.

7. Prayer

Let us pray.

Lord our God,
you have given us your Word as a light for our path.

Help us not only to hear your commandments
but to live them with sincerity and love.

Teach our hearts to seek wisdom,
to remember your goodness,
and to follow the way that leads to life.

Bless the person listening to this reflection today.
Fill them with peace, courage, and hope.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen. 🙏