March 10th, Wednesday, Third Week of Lent

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9, Psalm 147: 12-13, 15-16, 19-20, Matthew 5: 17-19

One day, many years ago, when I was just a boy, we found out that my dad’s Aunt Delia was coming to live with us. As kids we thought this would be great. We would be able to play cards and board games with her. We thought that she might even read to us. But when Aunt Delia arrived it was in what we would term today a hospice situation. In her nineties, and basically an invalid, Aunt Delia just had a few months to live and my parents were the only ones that offered to take her in. The burden of Aunt Delia’s care fell to my mom. My mom, who already had six children, accepted this overwhelming task.

When I listen to or read today’s Gospel passage, I often think of my mother. She not only taught us God’s laws but she lived them. It was through her example of love and compassion that I came to understand Jesus’ words, “I did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.” In other words, Jesus came to show us how the law was to be lived. Jesus is the example for all to follow. We, in turn, are to be examples for others.

My mother was generous beyond words. She was generous with her time, her energy, and her tender loving care, not just to Aunt Delia, but to everyone she came in contact with. She was an example for her children of how to live. I only hope I will do as well.

John Semerau, retired, father and grandfather.