When Law Serves Love

Today’s readings.

We are more inclined toward laws and boundaries than we often admit. Human beings need them, because boundaries make thriving possible while disorder slowly destroys it. Disorder does this because it removes the conditions that make truth, trust, and love durable.

Today’s readings show that God’s law is life-giving rather than a set of restrictions for no purpose. Moses presents the commandments both as wisdom and a sign that God is near to his people. And laws only really make sense where love is shared. No human relationship exists without them. Marriage, friendship, family, and community all depend on each person upholding his/her part for the good of the relationship. Usually the first sign of failure is a refusal of that obligation. 

So too with Lent. Our practices can look legalistic if they are detached from love, but when rightly understood they are responses within a relationship. We pray, fast, and give because loving God means our actions must reflect our claim. Just as we show those we love our care through concrete actions, so too our Lenten practices show that we do not want to grow careless in our relationship with God. 

Today’s Practice — Fasting:

Fast today from seeing small commitments as burdens. Pay attention to the little obligations that structure your relationships, e.g., returning a message, finishing a task you promised to do, showing up when someone expects you. Treat these as small ways you show love to the other person.