Daily Readings - Thu Jun 08 2017
Mark
28And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the most important of all?"29Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.30And 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.'31The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."32And the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him.33And 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, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."34And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Sermon
The first reading from the Book of Tobit presents a beautiful story of faith, prayer, and divine providence. Tobit, a righteous man, instructs his son Tobias to travel to a distant land to secure a family debt, emphasizing the importance of integrity and trust in God. Along the way, Tobias meets Raguel, a relative, and falls in love with his daughter, Sarah. Despite the challenges they face, including the death of Sarah’s previous husbands, Tobias and Sarah turn to God in prayer, seeking His blessing and protection. Their union becomes a testament to the power of faith and the importance of seeking God’s will in all aspects of life. The reading reminds us that our actions and decisions should always be guided by a deep trust in God’s plan.
The Gospel reading from Mark 12 highlights a profound conversation between Jesus and a scribe. The scribe asks Jesus about the greatest commandment, and Jesus responds by quoting the Shema from Deuteronomy, emphasizing the importance of loving God with our whole being. He then adds the second greatest commandment: loving our neighbor as oneself. This exchange underscores the central teachings of Christianity—that our relationship with God and our relationships with others are deeply intertwined. Jesus’ response not only affirms the scribe’s understanding but also challenges him (and us) to live out these commandments in our daily lives.
Both readings remind us of the importance of living a life rooted in faith and love. In Tobit, we see how prayer and trust in God guide us through life’s challenges, while in the Gospel, we are called to love God and neighbor wholeheartedly. These teachings are not abstract concepts but practical guides for our daily lives. As we navigate our own challenges and relationships, we are invited to turn to God in prayer, to trust in His providence, and to love those around us with the same love and compassion that God has shown us. Let us strive to live out these commandments, knowing that they are the foundation of a life pleasing to God.