Wednesday March 18, 2026

V Week of Lent

Today’s readings reveal the contrast between resistance and surrender, law and life, and control and childlike trust.

In Exodus 7:8–24, God displays His power through signs and wonders before Pharaoh, yet his heart remains hard. Even when confronted with undeniable truth, Pharaoh refuses to yield. It’s a sobering reminder that repeated resistance can dull our responsiveness to God’s voice.

In 2 Corinthians 2:14–3:6, Paul celebrates the triumph of Christ, describing believers as the aroma of His victory. Our lives carry the fragrance of the gospel—either life to those who receive it or a reminder of truth to those who resist it. This new covenant is not written on stone, but on hearts, brought to life by the Spirit who gives freedom.

And in Mark 10:1–16, Jesus teaches about covenant faithfulness and then welcomes children, affirming that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child. While adults debate and defend, children simply come—trusting, open, and dependent.

This episode invites us to soften our hearts, live as carriers of Christ’s life-giving presence, and approach God not with resistance—but with humble, childlike faith.