Strengthened by Divine Covenant: God’s Promise and our Response.

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In today's first reading, (Deuteronomy 4:32-40), we hear God speak to the Israelites, and his message is also relevant to us today. Through Moses, God asks the Israelites to be aware of their identity: who they are, what God has done for them, and the consequences of God's call. They are God's chosen people, elected to reveal Himself to the world. Because of this, God saved them from their enemies.

Being aware of their identity has several implications for the Israelites. First, they should fix their hearts on the LORD as the one and only true God. This means avoiding any form of idolatry, the gravest sin before God. As Christians, it is important  that we examine our lives always: "is there any idol in my life?  Anything that takes the rightful place of God in my life become my idol. And this  become an obstacle in my relationship with God. Therefore, identifying my idoles and getting rid of them is key step in our spiritual life and growth.

 Second, the Israelites are to keep God's statues and commandments, not just themselves, but also their children and household.  We have here one of the primary duties of Parents: Faith upbringing and education of their children. Parents have a responsibility to teach their children, in words and actions, who God is and who they are. This is vital because children are gifts from God entrusted to the care of parents. 

Today, in many parts of the world, the transmission of faith within the family, which is supposed to be the “domestic church, where children learn to pray, to relate to God and have a sense of purpose, is in crisis.  Parents are really struggling to fulfill this mission, and some have already abdicated because they themselves no longer believe. As a result, children grow up lost and confused, and society bombards them with ideologies that can be brainwashing.

The third consequence of awareness is connected to the divine promise: by keeping God's commandments, Israelites will prosper and have a long life in the land He has given them forever. This same promise is relevant for us also. We can be sure that God is always faithful to His promises. In Psalm 81:13, we read: "If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, 14 how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!" Those who live their Christian faith with consciousness of the “Divine Covenant” and really try to be faithful to it, benefit from special divine protection and favour. For there is no way God will not protect those who put their trust in Him and answer their prayers. Let's remember here what St James wrote: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effectives", James 5:16-17. To be a righteous person does not mean to be without sin ( Proverb 24: 16) rather it means authentically and humbly believing in God as Abraham and many others did. 

Therefore, it's important for us to try to keep God’s commandments and follow His ways, revealed to us through Jesus Christ.  This becomes possible by constantly reminding ourselves that God has made a covenant with each of us, with our families: "He is our God, and we are His children." (Jeremiah 32:38). When we remember this convenant with God, our Consecration realized first through baptism and consecration then we will avoid sins and occasions of sins; we will deploy our energy in living the commandment of love: Of God that is trinity of Love and of others, including the ennemies. 

God the Father created the Universe, Christ the son came to reveal God the Father and save the Universe, and the Holy Spirit continues to divine revelation and salvation.  St Paul in the second reading tells us that “we have received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry “Abba, Father!”. I encourage us to meditate more on the prayer of “Our Father, who art in heaven”, say it slowly and meditatively today and in the coming day!

          Jesus himself said in the Gospel today, "Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the ages!"  Because of this, no matter the challenges we face, we can be sure that God is with us and will always fulfill His promises.  May we find renewed strength for our lives and faith today in the word of God, especially in Psalm 138:3: "When I called, you answered me; you made my soul grow strong."


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