5TH SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR B)

 

1st Reading          Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm                    51:3-4, 12-15

2nd Reading        Hebrews 5: 7-9

Gospel                   John 12: 20-33

A HEART THAT CONTEMPLATES GOD'S LAW

Dear friends, today is the 5th Sunday of Lent, and we are gradually drawing the curtain on the season of Lent, and we have the week of Weeks, the Holy Week, in view. As we prepare to enter this Holy Week, the Word of God for this 5th Sunday zooms in on the issue of Covenant, which is very clear in the First Reading. I believe that we are beginning to talk about COVENANT because we are about to enter into a new relationship with the Lord after the season of Lent has offered us the opportunity to assess our previous life and journey with the Lord.

The first reading comes from Jeremiah 31: 31-34. It is a very interesting passage in many ways. One of such interesting ways is the use of the word COVENANT (בּרית—berith). In fact, the word is used four (4) times in today's passage, and this draws our attention to it because we cannot simply overlook it. Additionally, from Genesis up to Jeremiah, it is in Jeremiah 31:31-34 that for the very first time, we hear the phrase "new covenant." This quickly informs us that there was an "old covenant." The question would be "What is new about "New Covenant"?. Answering this question will mean understanding the nature of the supposedly "Old Covenant".

From the first reading, we have a glimpse of what the "Old Covenant" is about. The reading mentions "LAW" in relation to the "New Covenant" (v. 33) and the fact that the New Covenant will not be like the Old one, which was established when Israelites were led out of Egypt (v. 32). With these two clues, we can safely look back to Exodus 19: 1-24:18. Central to this text from Exodus is the reception of the LAW, thus the commandments at Sinai. Hence, the Old Covenant is the Covenant made at Sinai. But, what is it about this Old Covenant and the Law?

I want to propose two observations in relation to the Old Covenant and the Law. First, the LAW was written on tablets of stone. On a physical level, the breakage of the tablet means a loss of the LAW or an alteration of it if there are attempts to recover it. Therefore, when the tablet breaks, the LAW and its interpretation will necessarily alter or change. People may not obey it. The second thing is that this LAW is outside of the human person. It will be looked to every time there is an issue. This means that the judge of the action is not internal but external. The problem is that the moment the judge is an external factor, there will be a choice as to whether to obey this external judge or not. It is a natural tendency for man to resist an external force. Therefore, many would not want what is outside to judge them. 

For these two reasons I proposed, God said instead of the LAW being outside of you like an external judge, let now come into a "new agreement" or a "new Covenant". In this new Covenant, "I will place my Law within them" and "write it upon their hearts" (Jer. 31: 33). These are very heavy words. First, unlike a tablet, which is subject to breakage, the LAW placed within them will never be subject to breakage and alteration. It will forever remain as it is. Secondly, the heart will be the "slate" or the "tablet." The Hebrew word for "Heart" as used by the author is "lēb". For the Israelites, the concept of "lēb" or "heart" refers to human intelligence and willpower. The implication is that of always remembering and pondering on the LAW. It is about the mind. The Law cannot be forgotten whose consequence is sin. If the LAW is within them and written on their hearts, "no longer will friends and relatives say "know the Lord"" (v. 34), thus, no one will teach you about the LAW of God. 

Dear friends, as we continue to assess our lives in this Lenten season, the Lord takes a great initiative to help us remain with him and always have him in mind. In the spirit of penitence, he does not want us to SIN anymore. He does not want us to miss the mark or fall short of the standard, the standard being his LAW. When God's law is within us and we continue to have it in mind and "meditate on it day and night" (Psalm 1), we shall not be led into sin. This is a great spiritual remedy to aid us and enlighten our paths. 

Today, we recognize the LAW within us and in our hearts as our CONSCIENCES. The judge is within us, and that credible judge is a well-formed conscience. A well-formed conscience is one that keeps God's law ever in mind. 

As we gradually end the season of Lent, let us not be worried about how we will continue to keep God's law and stay united to Him. Let us be consoled and happy, other than trouble and distressed, that we have God Law in us to lead us so that we might not trespass any longer. 

Pax et Bonum.