First Reading

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9

In those days, Moses spoke to the people, saying: «Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and decrees that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live, and may go in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you.

I am teaching you statutes and decrees, as the Lord, my God, has commanded me, that you may keep them in the land you are entering to take possession of. Observe them and fulfill them, for they will be your wisdom and prudence in the sight of the peoples. When they hear of all these statutes, they will say, ‘This great nation is truly a wise and prudent people.’ For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this entire law that I am setting before you today?

However, take care and be earnestly on guard not to forget the things that your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.»

Gospel

Matthew 5:17-19

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: «Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. 

Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.»