Thought for the day
A lawyer is testing Jesus: which of the 613 precepts in the Law is the most important? Jesus’ reply is that we should love God with our whole being: heart, soul and mind. As we stand for the Gospel and make the sign of the cross on our head, lips and heart, we strive to live out God’s Word in all that we say, do and are.
Jesus’ second commandment also requires our total commitment, with no half measures. We are called to love our neighbour as ourselves. So, just as I would like to have enough to eat, have a roof over my head, live in safety and flourish, I should want the same for my neighbour, whoever and wherever they are.
I am struck by the term “commandment” together with “love”. God does not command what he does not already give. Our love of God and neighbour comes as a free response to having been first loved by God. God’s superabundant love for me, witnessed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and also in all creation, flows into and through my being as the Spirit of love to be returned to God and spread through all God’s creation.
Jesus’ second commandment also requires our total commitment, with no half measures. We are called to love our neighbour as ourselves. So, just as I would like to have enough to eat, have a roof over my head, live in safety and flourish, I should want the same for my neighbour, whoever and wherever they are.
I am struck by the term “commandment” together with “love”. God does not command what he does not already give. Our love of God and neighbour comes as a free response to having been first loved by God. God’s superabundant love for me, witnessed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and also in all creation, flows into and through my being as the Spirit of love to be returned to God and spread through all God’s creation.
31-35, F
