Mark 12: 28-34
One of the scribes came near and asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 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.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘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,’—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Two Challenging Commandments
Today we read two commandments that will bring me close to the kingdom of God.
Loving God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. This makes sense to me and certainly is something I strive to do. However, those disordered attachments can too easily get in the way. Can I turn over those things in my life that get in the way, whatever they may be (pride, riches, status, fear, low self-esteem, etc.), and open myself to God’s love so I then may go out and love others?
And who is my neighbor? The answer can be quite simple: loved ones from my circle of family or friends. Or the answer can also be quite challenging: men, women and families who are unhoused, or migrants who are seeking a safe place to raise their families. How do I go about loving them? Do I take time when I encounter someone who is unhoused and engage them in conversation? Do I welcome the migrant and treat them with the dignity deserving of all humanity?
Two challenging commandments.
—Tom Drexler is a graduate of Marquette University High School and Creighton University. At present he works in the advancement office of the Midwest Jesuits.
Prayer
Good and gracious God, grant me the faith that I may deepen my love for you. Provide me with both the desire and resolve to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Open my eyes to my neighbor who might go unnoticed in my daily life, especially those living in the shadows of our society. Amen.
—Tom Drexler