What are the rules?

For some, knowing the rules is all that is needed to know what is expected of them. For others rules are only a suggestion, and one person's rule is another's mere recommendation.

This can be one of the areas where cultures can clash. Punctuality for most of those of us in the west is considered a paramount rule. In many places where our doctors serve, a meeting may not begin on time, frustrating only the westerner. We may greet each other in the US with a brief "How are you?" never expecting a real answer. However when walking down a road in Africa, such greetings are expected to be genuine and may take some time as people exchange information about the wellbeing of family and friends.

We are walking down a road together now. We need to take time on this Lenten journey, working to renew our Baptism, since this road isn't just leading us to Holy Week and Easter. Ultimately this journey with prayer, sacrifice and good works leads beyond this life, like John's response which we pray together in answer to the Psalm "Lord, you have the words of everlasting life".

The Readings from the First, Second and now the Third Sunday of Lent build on the covenants between God and man; first with Noah, then Abraham and this week with Moses and God's chosen people. In the Gospel Jesus challenges us to recognize that the Commandments are so much more than a short list of rules; 'do's and don'ts'. They show us the relationship we are called to have with God and how we should express this relationship in love and justice for all our sisters and brothers throughout the world. Jesus shows both His human nature and points to His divine nature promising that he will raise 'this temple' in three days.

On this journey how do the 'rules' help us with prayer, sacrifice and good works?
How are we looking beyond Easter to everlasting life?