Fifth Sunday of Lent
Covenants have been the returning focus of the Word of God each Sunday this Lent, and today we hear of the last development in God’s unfolding promises. From Noah to Abraham, to the main demands of the covenant with Moses; the first three weeks of Lent introduced us to God’s foundational promises of peace and blessings and belonging which God swore to the patriarchs and the fidelity to which He called His People. Last week we heard of infidelity which many showed to this generous Lord and His covenant, to the devastating yet medicinal effect of exile followed by compunction.
The prophet who last told of the exile and saw the ruin of Jerusalem was the prophet Jeremiah from whom the Church hears today. And what does the Lord proclaim through Jeremiah? Utter destruction and abandoning of the People? No, rather the complete opposite. The merciful Lord promises a new and definitive covenant to be made with the People. Binding promises, which we hear in the Gospel will be fulfilled in Lord Jesus being lifted up and drawing all things to Himself.
The question for us is: how will we renew our part in this covenant God has willed? Through the prophet, the Lord says that this covenant will be written in the heart. Through His Son, God promises to draw all things to Himself. We might take stock of the effects of Lent this year by asking, have the superficialities that have accrued over my heart been scraped away to reveal my desire for God and His promises again? Do I feel drawn to Jesus whose sufferings betray the divine love which has brought countless souls to eternal joy? If not, am I willing to present my heart in these last weeks of Lenten preparations for Easter and beg the Lord once again to teach me that He calls me to be part of the People of whom He is God, and to show me once more that He is prepared to make me part of His People through His own Passion?