March 28th
Hosea 14:2-10
Mark 12:28-34
Today’s Gospel is a familiar
one, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” (Mark 12:28) This could
be a trick question and I can imagine the crowd waiting with baited breath for
Jesus’ choice. Jewish Law was extensive- how would he choose one over all the
others? But of course Jesus’ answer is simple. He quoted the Old Testament,
which sums up the first three commandments in one statement: love God
(Deuteronomy 6:5). The other statement: love your neighbor as yourself
(Leviticus 19:18).
All the moral teachings of the Catholic Church are
rooted in these two commandments. If a person does not love God and other
people, religion is just meaningless prayers and empty practices. Weekly Mass
is important to our faith life; we gather together to worship in community. We
hear the Word and refocus. We come to the table for Eucharist and are
nourished. But what do we do when we leave. Some parishes have a sign at the
exit of the parking lot, “You are now entering the mission field”. Jesus calls
us to love- not just during Mass- but every day with everyone. Earlier I said
that Jesus’ answer was simple. A simple statement yes, but a complex challenge
to live out.
Write these laws of love in your mind and
in your heart. Let them guide everything that you think, do and say.
Patty Larger (much of this
was taken from a reflection in the Breakthrough Bible for Young Catholics
distributed by St. Mary’s Press. This is a good choice for children 3rd
grade through junior high)
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