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Four important elements characterized the relationship between God and Israel, all of them coming from God's loving-kindness, not only towards Israel but also towards the whole of humanity. These four elements are: Election, Covenant, Law and Promise. God chose Israel, not against the rest of humanity but in function of the salvation of all humanity. God made this choice a permanent commitment and relationship in the Covenant. God guided the people of Israel, like a spiritual master, in the ways of living out this permanent relationship to the full, and this guidance took the concrete form of the Law.
God's grace, of course, was not confined to the particular circumstances under which the Covenant was established and the Law given: Israel had a future history through which to live out its commitment, and God gave them hope for an even greater future, by making several promises, particularly the promise of the Messiah. Jesus came as the fulfilment of this promise and gave us a new Covenant and a new commandment of love.
Father, we the people of the New Covenant rejoice in the promise of the Messiah which you fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As we prepare for Easter through these weeks of Lent, grant us the grace of repentance, conversion and renewed fidelity to Jesus, Our Lord and Saviour.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That the role of women may be more appreciated and used to good advantage in every country in the world.
Elaboration
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