March 25, 2009
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Breaking Open the Word By James Cavanagh March 29: Fifth Sunday of Lent Scripture readings: Overview: The first reading from Jeremiah is one of few passages in the Old Testament where the idea of the “new covenant” is mentioned explicitly. Jeremiah was a prophet during the Babylonian Exile, which was interpreted as Israel’s punishment for breaking the covenant established at Mount Sinai. Unlike the first covenant, which was engraved in stone, the new covenant would be written on the hearts of the people. Echoing Moses who said, “The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so that you can do it” (Dt 30:14). Jeremiah wanted to convey the idea that fidelity to God was not simply a matter of obeying rules, but of loving him with one’s whole heart, soul and strength (Dt 6:4). Jesus perfectly exemplified the steadfast love and fidelity required of God’s people through what he suffered, and thus became the “source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (second reading). Finally, the Gospel reading focuses on Christ’s impending death. It begins with an inquiry by “some Greeks” who said to Philip, “We want to see Jesus.” The cross was the means by which the barrier between Jew and gentile would be abolished and the new covenant established. Only through his death would Christ “produce much fruit,” bringing salvation to all people. Key verse: “The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah” (Jer 31:31). “Catechism of the Catholic Church”: “Through the prophets, God forms his people in the hope of salvation, in the expectation of a new and everlasting covenant intended for all, to be written on their hearts. Israel is to be the sign of the future gathering of all nations. But the prophets accuse Israel of breaking the covenant and behaving like a prostitute. They announce a new and eternal covenant. ‘Christ instituted this New Covenant.’” (No. 64; 762). Pope Benedict XVI: “A sign stood above the cross of Jesus, indicating who he was: the King of Jews. The kingship of Jesus was proclaimed before all the world. Now he is truly ‘lifted up.’ In sinking to the depths, he rose to the heights. Now he has radically fulfilled the commandment of love; he has completed the offering of himself, and in this way he is now the revelation of the true God, the God who is love. The cross of Jesus is a cosmic event. The world is darkened when the Son of God is given up to death. The earth trembles. And on the cross the Church of the gentiles is born” (“Way of the Cross”). Application: Every Mass re-presents Christ’s sacrifice and thus confirms and renews the New Covenant. It’s a sign and invitation for all people to a unique personal relationship with God. In the sacraments of the new covenant, God writes his law of love on our heart so we can experience it in a deeply personal way. |
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