Third Sunday in Lent: "Destroy this Temple and in Three Days I Will Raise It Up"

The Liturgy of the Word this Sunday for the First Scrutiny for catechumens centers on the law. The First Reading from Exodus lays out the Ten Commandments, and the Responsorial Psalm begins, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul;” and later, “the ordinances of the Lord are true, … more precious than gold,” declaring that these rules are a treasure and not shackles. The excerpt from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians strikes a different chord as he counters the demand for signs that resemble magic tricks, and affirms that the cross is the Christian’s sign. In John’s vivid Gospel account, Jesus cleanses the temple, asserting its place as protector of the law. Another set of readings is allowed this week, with the Gospel of John relating the familiar story of the woman at the well.