Daily Readings - Sun Nov 03 2024
Mark
28One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.30Love 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: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."32"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.33To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."34When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Sermon
In today's Gospel, we witness a meaningful encounter between Jesus and a scribe who approaches Him after hearing His wise responses to others. The scribe poses a question about the greatest commandment, prompting Jesus to recite the Shema from Deuteronomy, emphasizing love for God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. Jesus then adds a second commandment from Leviticus, instructing us to love our neighbor as ourselves. The scribe, in agreement, acknowledges the truth in Jesus' words, and Jesus commends him, noting he is close to the kingdom of God.
This passage occurs in the context of Jesus' time in Jerusalem, where He engages with various religious leaders, often facing challenging questions. Here, however, the interaction is uniquely positive, highlighting the harmony between Jesus' teachings and the scribe's understanding. The two commandments Jesus cites are central to His message, illustrating that love for God and neighbor are inseparable. This duality underscores that true faith is not merely about rituals but about the expression of love in our actions and attitudes.
In our daily lives, this teaching calls us to prioritize love in every interaction. It invites us to reflect on how we can demonstrate love for God and our neighbors through our choices and actions. Jesus' commendation of the scribe reminds us that living out these commandments brings us closer to God's kingdom. Let us examine our hearts and actions, ensuring they align with the love that Jesus taught, recognizing that this love is the cornerstone of our faith and our path to a deeper relationship with God.