Today’s gospel reflects on both the Old Testament reading in Leviticus where we are told to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength. Jesus is asked what the greatest commandment is (keep in mind there were 617 in the old covenant), an interesting question, rightfully so. The question is, practically speaking, asking Jesus to declare what the root of Gods will for his people is. If we can summarize our Catholic and Christian faith in a few short sentences, what would it be?
Jesus states that the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. And, to love others as yourself. The scribe who asked him the question stated that Jesus is right, and that to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt sacrifices. Jesus says he is not far from the Kingdom of God.
So what does this mean? Jesus has validated the Ten Commandments, rather than replaced them. If we look at the Ten Commandments, the first three are related to loving and worshipping God. Jesus says to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. He adds “mind” after we compare to the Old Testament in Leviticus, to show that we must move forward in our relationship with god by not only dedicating our life, our actions, and our desires to God, but by actively discerning God’s will in our daily life. Jesus wants us to trust in him in thought and to ponder on God’s mercy through his Son each day. By allowing our minds to be fulfilled with God's mercy, we can become free from the daily drudgery of life. To love God with our mind is anticipatory of the things to come on Earth and in Heaven.
Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourself. This is commonly refered to as the “Golden Rule”, to treat others as you want to be treated. But by removing God from the context of this commandment, we can lose sight of the meaning of what God really wants us to do is to love others as God loves you. We’re all children of God - so let’s treat each other as children of God! We’re have been shown mercy time and time again. We are therefore obligated to show that mercy to others as mercy has been shown to us. Its only fair, but even when it is not, we need to remember that salvation comes not from each other, but from God alone. Through this, we can look at each other with greater dignity and compassion.
How can we be more devoted to God? How can we show other ls the love they deserve?
I pose a challenge to you:
Take time and reflect on these readings and see where we are not following these greatest commandments. I know I lately have not followed them to the T. I probably never will, but I’ll sure try.
Slow down to simply be with God in your daily life. Where you have an opportunity may be as simple as your drive to work, getting ready, on your lunch break, or by setting 5 minutes to give thanks.
However you approach reflecting on the Greatest Commandments, be realistic with yourself and allow God’s infinite mercy, through his Son, to inspire and encourage you to be more genuine and loving to others!
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