The Gospel of Mark 12:28-34
One of the scribes came near and heard the Sadducees disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.
Let us Pray:
Lord, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. May my devotion to you be unwavering and my actions reflect my commitment to your commandments. Teach me to love my neighbors as myself. Let my words and deeds be filled with compassion, kindness, and empathy. Help me to see others through your eyes and to serve them with a selfless heart. This we pray in your Name. Amen.
We all need to take a few minutes and carefully read this Gospel. Most of us when we were younger in Sunday school, we learned a section of this Gospel by heart. And while we were in Sunday school, we had to make sure we lived the words. What changed as we got older? Do you truly live the words: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’? As we look at our world, we know that this commandment is not being followed. It definitely isn’t being followed this election cycle where so many people are using politics to instill fear and violence in our country. So maybe the scribe needs to ask us that same question he asked Jesus? Which commandment is the most important. Jesus replies: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” He follows up with, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
These two commandments encompass the essence of all God’s laws. They emphasize the importance of a wholehearted, undivided devotion to God and a selfless love toward others. It’s a reminder that our faith should manifest in love, both for God and for the people around us.
What is the love Jesus talks about? Love: is the dedication and commitment with everything you are to God. It is a decision. It is a practice. It is a walk. It is a constant war. Are the emotions involved? Absolutely. When the gospel saturates your heart and mind, you become overwhelmed with who God is and what he’s done. Love issues forth. But it must become a constant direction and impulse and drive within you. Everything you are should point in the direction of loving God.
There is a song by the Eagles titled “Hole in the World” which these are 2 of the verses”
There’s a hole in the world tonight
There’s a cloud of fear and sorrow
There’s a hole in the world tonight
Don’t let there be a hole in the world tomorrow
Oh, they tell me there’s a place over yonder
Cool water running through the burning sand
Until we learn to love one another
We will never reach the promised land
Words from a contemporary song that reflects the message of Jesus.
Let us Pray:
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church. Fill it with all truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in need, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 