Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 152
Lectionary: 152
Moses spoke to the people, saying:
"Fear the LORD, your God,
and keep, throughout the days of your lives,
all his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you,
and thus have long life.
Hear then, Israel, and be careful to observe them,
that you may grow and prosper the more,
in keeping with the promise of the LORD, the God of your fathers,
to give you a land flowing with milk and honey.
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!
Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God,
with all your heart,
and with all your soul,
and with all your strength.
Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today."
"Fear the LORD, your God,
and keep, throughout the days of your lives,
all his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you,
and thus have long life.
Hear then, Israel, and be careful to observe them,
that you may grow and prosper the more,
in keeping with the promise of the LORD, the God of your fathers,
to give you a land flowing with milk and honey.
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!
Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God,
with all your heart,
and with all your soul,
and with all your strength.
Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today."
Responsorial
PsalmPS 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
R. (2) I love
you, Lord, my strength.
I love you, O LORD, my strength,
O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
My God, my rock of refuge,
my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!
Praised be the LORD, I exclaim,
and I am safe from my enemies.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
The LORD lives! And blessed be my rock!
Extolled be God my savior.
You who gave great victories to your king
and showed kindness to your anointed.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
I love you, O LORD, my strength,
O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
My God, my rock of refuge,
my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!
Praised be the LORD, I exclaim,
and I am safe from my enemies.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
The LORD lives! And blessed be my rock!
Extolled be God my savior.
You who gave great victories to your king
and showed kindness to your anointed.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
Reading 2HEB 7:23-28
Brothers and sisters:
The levitical priests were many
because they were prevented by death from remaining in office,
but Jesus, because he remains forever,
has a priesthood that does not pass away.
Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him,
since he lives forever to make intercession for them.
It was fitting that we should have such a high priest:
holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners,
higher than the heavens.
He has no need, as did the high priests,
to offer sacrifice day after day,
first for his own sins and then for those of the people;
he did that once for all when he offered himself.
For the law appoints men subject to weakness to be high priests,
but the word of the oath, which was taken after the law,
appoints a son,
who has been made perfect forever.
The levitical priests were many
because they were prevented by death from remaining in office,
but Jesus, because he remains forever,
has a priesthood that does not pass away.
Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him,
since he lives forever to make intercession for them.
It was fitting that we should have such a high priest:
holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners,
higher than the heavens.
He has no need, as did the high priests,
to offer sacrifice day after day,
first for his own sins and then for those of the people;
he did that once for all when he offered himself.
For the law appoints men subject to weakness to be high priests,
but the word of the oath, which was taken after the law,
appoints a son,
who has been made perfect forever.
AlleluiaJN 14:23
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord;
and my father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord;
and my father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMK 12:28B-34
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,
"Which is the first of all the commandments?"
Jesus replied, "The first is this:
Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul,
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."
The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher.
You are right in saying,
'He is One and there is no other than he.'
And 'to love him with all your heart,
with all your understanding,
with all your strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself'
is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding,
he said to him,
"You are not far from the kingdom of God."
And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
"Which is the first of all the commandments?"
Jesus replied, "The first is this:
Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul,
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."
The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher.
You are right in saying,
'He is One and there is no other than he.'
And 'to love him with all your heart,
with all your understanding,
with all your strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself'
is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding,
he said to him,
"You are not far from the kingdom of God."
And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Meditation: "Love
the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength"
What is the purpose of God's law or commandments? The
Pharisees prided themselves in the knowledge of the law and their ritual
requirements. They made it a life-time practice to study the 613 precepts of
the Old Testament along with the numerous rabbinic commentaries. They tested
Jesus to see if he correctly understood the law as they did. Jesus startled
them with his profound simplicity and mastery of the law of God and its
purpose.
Our love for God is a response to his exceeding grace
and kindness towards us
What does God require of us? Simply that we love as he loves! God is love and everything he does flows from his love for us. God loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding grace and kindness towards us. The love of God comes first and the love of neighbor is firmly grounded in the love of God. The more we know of God's love and truth the more we love what he loves and reject what is hateful and contrary to his will.
What does God require of us? Simply that we love as he loves! God is love and everything he does flows from his love for us. God loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding grace and kindness towards us. The love of God comes first and the love of neighbor is firmly grounded in the love of God. The more we know of God's love and truth the more we love what he loves and reject what is hateful and contrary to his will.
Faith and hope strengthen our love for God
What makes our love for God and his commands grow in us? Faith in God and hope in his promises strengthens us in the love of God. They are essential for a good relationship with God, for being united with him. The more we know of God the more we love him and the more we love him the greater we believe and hope in his promises. The Lord, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, gives us a new freedom to love as he loves. Do you allow anything to keep you from the love of God and the joy of serving others with a generous heart? Paul the Apostle says: hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us (Romans 5:5). Do you know the love which conquers all?
What makes our love for God and his commands grow in us? Faith in God and hope in his promises strengthens us in the love of God. They are essential for a good relationship with God, for being united with him. The more we know of God the more we love him and the more we love him the greater we believe and hope in his promises. The Lord, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, gives us a new freedom to love as he loves. Do you allow anything to keep you from the love of God and the joy of serving others with a generous heart? Paul the Apostle says: hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us (Romans 5:5). Do you know the love which conquers all?
"We love you, O our God; and we desire to love
you more and more. Grant to us that we may love you as much as we desire, and
as much as we ought. O dearest friend, who has so loved and saved us, the thought
of whom is so sweet and always growing sweeter, come with Christ and dwell in
our hearts; that you keep a watch over our lips, our steps, our deeds, and we
shall not need to be anxious either for our souls or our bodies. Give us love,
sweetest of all gifts, which knows no enemy. Give us in our hearts pure love,
born of your love to us, that we may love others as you love us. O most loving
Father of Jesus Christ, from whom flows all love, let our hearts, frozen in
sin, cold to you and cold to others, be warmed by this divine fire. So help and
bless us in your Son." (Prayer
of Anselm, 1033-1109)
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: Love God with one's whole self, by
Gregory of Nyssa, 330-395 AD
"Human life consists in a threefold unity. We are
taught similarly by the apostle in what he says to the Ephesians, praying for
them that the complete grace of their 'body and soul and spirit' may be
preserved at the coming of the Lord. We use the word 'body,' for the nutritive
part, the word for the vital, 'soul,' and the word 'spirit' for the
intellective dimension. In just this way the Lord instructs the writer of the
Gospel that he should set before every commandment that love to God which is
exercised with all the heart and soul and mind (Mark 12:30; Matthew 22:37; Luke
10:27). This single phrase embraces the human whole: the corporeal heart, the
mind as the higher intellectual and mental nature, and the soul as their
mediator." (excerpt from ON THE MAKING OF MAN
8.5.10)
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle B
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Life, for Moses, meant serving God and leading his people to the promised land. Here, with his characteristic humility and patience, he repeats the precepts and directives given him by God. He wants to engrave them on the minds and hearts of his people, to keep them loyal to the commitment made by their parents (he is now addressing a new generation of Israelites, all of those who would have been under the age of twenty when the exodus began). As a permanent reminder for future generations, when they cross the Jordan they must write the Law on stone (Deuteronomy 27:2-3), and from then on the Law is to be read out to the people every seven years (seven being the number which is representative of the covenant) to ensure that they obey it.
The Decalogue (the ten commandments, but literally in Hebrew, “the ten words”) have just been read and our 1st reading today is an explanation of the 1st commandment. In this reading we see the two basic principles in Deuteronomy:
1) Monotheism - Israel has to believe in the One True God. 2) It must love Him above all else.
[Moses spoke to the people saying;] 2 [F]ear the LORD, your God, and keep, throughout the days of your lives, all his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you,
The giving of the law is intimately connected with the promise of the land; the land being one of the “blessings” for keeping the covenant.
and thus have long life. 3 Hear then, Israel, and be careful to observe them, that you may grow and prosper the more, in keeping with the promise of the LORD, the God of your fathers, to give you a land flowing with milk and honey.
The promise made to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:8). The land of the Canaanites was seen as a temptation for the Israelites because of its fruitfulness after 40 years of wandering in the desert and also as a theological problem because this fertility was seen as a divine blessing on the Canaanites (see Deuteronomy 8:7-20).
4 “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!
This refers to other gods worshiped by pagans; especially the Baal of Canaan. Yahweh is the only real, the only living, God.
5 Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today.”
Why does God give these things to Israel? Because He loves them. Here, they are enjoined to reciprocate and love the Lord their God in return. A covenant is a sacred family bond and they are to respond to God’s love as God’s children. Love is covenant fidelity. Verses 4-9 are a prayer called the Shema. It is a summary of true religion: “4 Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord; 5 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. 6 And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; 7 and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Revised Standard Version).
The Shema is the Hebrew profession of faith. As we use the creed in Christian worship, so do the Jewish people use the Shema in their synagogue service.
In verse 8 of the Shema, the “sign”, was taken literally and resulted in the phylacteries worn on the left arm and forehead. The phylacteries contain four passages from the Law [Exodus 13:1-10 (the matzoth-unleavened cakes); Exodus 13:11-16 (the Passover); Deuteronomy 4:6-9 (the Shema-profession of belief in God); and Deuteronomy 11:13-21 (the commandment to love God and not serve other Gods)].
2nd Reading - Hebrews 7:23-28
Last week we heard Jesus called “A priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:6, Genesis 14:15, Psalm 110:4). As a means of introduction to today’s reading we will learn a little more about Melchizedek, Jesus’ comparison to him, and their relationship to the covenant. Hebrews 7:1-3 says “This ‘Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High,’ ‘met Abraham as he returned from his defeat of the kings’ and ‘blessed him.’ And Abraham apportioned to him ‘a tenth of everything’ [a tithe]. His name first means righteous king, and he was also ‘king of Salem,’ that is, king of peace. Without father, mother, or ancestry [this is technical priestly language. Levitical priests must prove their genealogy (Ezra 2:62-63; Nehemiah 7:64-65) (paternal for 10 generations and maternal for 4 generations with no unclean marriages (to non-Jews) and no illegitimacy)], without beginning of days or end of life [a Levitical priest began apprenticeship at age 25 and served as priest from age 30 to age 50 at which point the requirement was that he retire], thus made to resemble the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.” Shem-Melchizedek is a priest prior to the golden calf and the institution of the Levitical priesthood. He does not have to prove his genealogy or serve only for a designated period of time.
Now, moving along to Hebrews 7:11-22: “If, then, perfection came through the levitical priesthood, on the basis of which the people received the law [the sacred author now shows the superiority of the priesthood of the order of Melchizedek to that of the Levitical priesthood], what need would there still have been for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not reckoned according to the order of Aaron? When there is a change of priesthood, there is necessarily a change of law as well [see Ezekiel 20:21-26 which describes the rise of the Levitical law and consequent change from the priesthood of the firstborn son to the Levitical priesthood]. Now he of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, of which no member ever officiated at the altar. It is clear that our Lord arose from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. It is even more obvious if another priest is raised up after the likeness of Melchizedek; who has become so, not by a law expressed in a commandment concerning physical descent but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. For it is testified: ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’ [Jesus has a genealogy (Matthew 1:1-16) but it does not support a Levitical priesthood. The priesthood has become as God originally intended, the priesthood of the firstborn.]. On the one hand, a former commandment [the Levitical laws, not the ten commandments] is annulled because of its weakness and uselessness, for the law brought nothing to perfection; on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. And to the degree that this happened not without the taking of an oath – for others became priests without an oath, but he with an oath, through the one who said to him: ‘The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent: ‘You are a priest forever’” [quoted from Psalm 110 where God is talking to a son of David, king of Salem] to that same degree has Jesus (also) become the guarantee [the guarantor-cosigner] of an (even) better covenant [Jesus is the new high priest and since a new priesthood requires a change in the law, the new covenant has come into being with the new priesthood of Jesus. This new covenant is better because it remains as long as the priesthood on which it is based remains and we have God’s word that it is forever. Jesus, the new high priest, guarantees the permanence of the New Covenant.].”
23 Those priests were many because they were prevented by death from remaining in office, 24 but he, because he remains forever, has a priesthood that does not pass away. 25 Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.
Although some regard the work of atonement synonymous with Jesus’ death on the cross – an event of the past, the parallel drawn in this book (chapter 9) between Jesus’ sacrifice and the sacrifice offered by the high priest on the Day of Atonement suggests that the sacrifice of Jesus cannot be thought of as limited to his death, his rising and ascension are also essential parts of it. Therefore, the sacrifice cannot be considered past, since its completion takes place in Heaven where time has no domain. Recall Saint John’s vision in Revelation 5:6 where he sees the sacrifice being offered in the Eternal Now. Romans 8:34 also shows Jesus’ constant intercession in our behalf; not just a one-time act of redemption, but a continual offering of His sacrifice in our behalf.
26 It was fitting that we should have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners,
He has ascended to where no sin is allowed to enter (Revelation 21:27).
higher than the heavens.
He has passed through the intermediate heavens (the Jewish understanding of the universe was that above the earth was the firmament of the sky, above that were the waters above the firmament, and above all this was the heavenly seat of the divinity) (Hebrews 4:14; 9:24).
27 He has no need, as did the high priests, to offer sacrifice day after day,
There is no requirement for the high priest to offer daily sacrifice of the type described here, only annually on the Day of Atonement. Perhaps this wording was used to emphasize the singularity of Jesus’ sacrifice which is never repeated.
first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did that once for all
One death, resurrection, and ascension for all persons for all time. Revelation 5:6 shows His continual presentation of that once for all sacrifice – not suffering and dying again, but the continual offering of the meal which seals the covenant.
when he offered himself. 28 For the law
The Levitical law
appoints men subject to weakness to be high priests, but the word of the oath, which was taken after the law, appoints a son, who has been made perfect forever.
The promise of the non-Levitical priesthood of Psalm 110 came long after the institution of the Levitical priesthood. The high priest of the New Covenant has been consecrated forever. “Amen, Amen. Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood ...” (John 6:51-58).
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Life, for Moses, meant serving God and leading his people to the promised land. Here, with his characteristic humility and patience, he repeats the precepts and directives given him by God. He wants to engrave them on the minds and hearts of his people, to keep them loyal to the commitment made by their parents (he is now addressing a new generation of Israelites, all of those who would have been under the age of twenty when the exodus began). As a permanent reminder for future generations, when they cross the Jordan they must write the Law on stone (Deuteronomy 27:2-3), and from then on the Law is to be read out to the people every seven years (seven being the number which is representative of the covenant) to ensure that they obey it.
The Decalogue (the ten commandments, but literally in Hebrew, “the ten words”) have just been read and our 1st reading today is an explanation of the 1st commandment. In this reading we see the two basic principles in Deuteronomy:
1) Monotheism - Israel has to believe in the One True God. 2) It must love Him above all else.
[Moses spoke to the people saying;] 2 [F]ear the LORD, your God, and keep, throughout the days of your lives, all his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you,
The giving of the law is intimately connected with the promise of the land; the land being one of the “blessings” for keeping the covenant.
and thus have long life. 3 Hear then, Israel, and be careful to observe them, that you may grow and prosper the more, in keeping with the promise of the LORD, the God of your fathers, to give you a land flowing with milk and honey.
The promise made to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:8). The land of the Canaanites was seen as a temptation for the Israelites because of its fruitfulness after 40 years of wandering in the desert and also as a theological problem because this fertility was seen as a divine blessing on the Canaanites (see Deuteronomy 8:7-20).
4 “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!
This refers to other gods worshiped by pagans; especially the Baal of Canaan. Yahweh is the only real, the only living, God.
5 Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today.”
Why does God give these things to Israel? Because He loves them. Here, they are enjoined to reciprocate and love the Lord their God in return. A covenant is a sacred family bond and they are to respond to God’s love as God’s children. Love is covenant fidelity. Verses 4-9 are a prayer called the Shema. It is a summary of true religion: “4 Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord; 5 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. 6 And these words which I command you this day shall be upon your heart; 7 and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 And you shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Revised Standard Version).
The Shema is the Hebrew profession of faith. As we use the creed in Christian worship, so do the Jewish people use the Shema in their synagogue service.
In verse 8 of the Shema, the “sign”, was taken literally and resulted in the phylacteries worn on the left arm and forehead. The phylacteries contain four passages from the Law [Exodus 13:1-10 (the matzoth-unleavened cakes); Exodus 13:11-16 (the Passover); Deuteronomy 4:6-9 (the Shema-profession of belief in God); and Deuteronomy 11:13-21 (the commandment to love God and not serve other Gods)].
2nd Reading - Hebrews 7:23-28
Last week we heard Jesus called “A priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:6, Genesis 14:15, Psalm 110:4). As a means of introduction to today’s reading we will learn a little more about Melchizedek, Jesus’ comparison to him, and their relationship to the covenant. Hebrews 7:1-3 says “This ‘Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High,’ ‘met Abraham as he returned from his defeat of the kings’ and ‘blessed him.’ And Abraham apportioned to him ‘a tenth of everything’ [a tithe]. His name first means righteous king, and he was also ‘king of Salem,’ that is, king of peace. Without father, mother, or ancestry [this is technical priestly language. Levitical priests must prove their genealogy (Ezra 2:62-63; Nehemiah 7:64-65) (paternal for 10 generations and maternal for 4 generations with no unclean marriages (to non-Jews) and no illegitimacy)], without beginning of days or end of life [a Levitical priest began apprenticeship at age 25 and served as priest from age 30 to age 50 at which point the requirement was that he retire], thus made to resemble the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.” Shem-Melchizedek is a priest prior to the golden calf and the institution of the Levitical priesthood. He does not have to prove his genealogy or serve only for a designated period of time.
Now, moving along to Hebrews 7:11-22: “If, then, perfection came through the levitical priesthood, on the basis of which the people received the law [the sacred author now shows the superiority of the priesthood of the order of Melchizedek to that of the Levitical priesthood], what need would there still have been for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not reckoned according to the order of Aaron? When there is a change of priesthood, there is necessarily a change of law as well [see Ezekiel 20:21-26 which describes the rise of the Levitical law and consequent change from the priesthood of the firstborn son to the Levitical priesthood]. Now he of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, of which no member ever officiated at the altar. It is clear that our Lord arose from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. It is even more obvious if another priest is raised up after the likeness of Melchizedek; who has become so, not by a law expressed in a commandment concerning physical descent but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. For it is testified: ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’ [Jesus has a genealogy (Matthew 1:1-16) but it does not support a Levitical priesthood. The priesthood has become as God originally intended, the priesthood of the firstborn.]. On the one hand, a former commandment [the Levitical laws, not the ten commandments] is annulled because of its weakness and uselessness, for the law brought nothing to perfection; on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. And to the degree that this happened not without the taking of an oath – for others became priests without an oath, but he with an oath, through the one who said to him: ‘The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent: ‘You are a priest forever’” [quoted from Psalm 110 where God is talking to a son of David, king of Salem] to that same degree has Jesus (also) become the guarantee [the guarantor-cosigner] of an (even) better covenant [Jesus is the new high priest and since a new priesthood requires a change in the law, the new covenant has come into being with the new priesthood of Jesus. This new covenant is better because it remains as long as the priesthood on which it is based remains and we have God’s word that it is forever. Jesus, the new high priest, guarantees the permanence of the New Covenant.].”
23 Those priests were many because they were prevented by death from remaining in office, 24 but he, because he remains forever, has a priesthood that does not pass away. 25 Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.
Although some regard the work of atonement synonymous with Jesus’ death on the cross – an event of the past, the parallel drawn in this book (chapter 9) between Jesus’ sacrifice and the sacrifice offered by the high priest on the Day of Atonement suggests that the sacrifice of Jesus cannot be thought of as limited to his death, his rising and ascension are also essential parts of it. Therefore, the sacrifice cannot be considered past, since its completion takes place in Heaven where time has no domain. Recall Saint John’s vision in Revelation 5:6 where he sees the sacrifice being offered in the Eternal Now. Romans 8:34 also shows Jesus’ constant intercession in our behalf; not just a one-time act of redemption, but a continual offering of His sacrifice in our behalf.
26 It was fitting that we should have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners,
He has ascended to where no sin is allowed to enter (Revelation 21:27).
higher than the heavens.
He has passed through the intermediate heavens (the Jewish understanding of the universe was that above the earth was the firmament of the sky, above that were the waters above the firmament, and above all this was the heavenly seat of the divinity) (Hebrews 4:14; 9:24).
27 He has no need, as did the high priests, to offer sacrifice day after day,
There is no requirement for the high priest to offer daily sacrifice of the type described here, only annually on the Day of Atonement. Perhaps this wording was used to emphasize the singularity of Jesus’ sacrifice which is never repeated.
first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did that once for all
One death, resurrection, and ascension for all persons for all time. Revelation 5:6 shows His continual presentation of that once for all sacrifice – not suffering and dying again, but the continual offering of the meal which seals the covenant.
when he offered himself. 28 For the law
The Levitical law
appoints men subject to weakness to be high priests, but the word of the oath, which was taken after the law, appoints a son, who has been made perfect forever.
The promise of the non-Levitical priesthood of Psalm 110 came long after the institution of the Levitical priesthood. The high priest of the New Covenant has been consecrated forever. “Amen, Amen. Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood ...” (John 6:51-58).
Gospel - Mark 12:28-34
Last week we heard of the healing of blind Bartimaeus. Today’s reading is placed by all three synoptic gospel writers during Jesus’ days in Jerusalem after His triumphal entry (Palm Sunday) and before His passion begins (Holy Thursday).
The scribes were the scholars and intellectuals of Judaism. They received the title “rabbi.” His scholarship was the knowledge of the Law, which he regarded as the sum of wisdom and the only true learning. His position in the Jewish community was a respected position of leadership. The scribe as such was not a member of any Jewish sect or party (Pharisee, Sadducee, Zealot, Essene), but in fact most scribes were Pharisees, adhering to a strict interpretation of the Law.
Jesus was a threat to their influence which is why most New Testament references show them hostile to Him. This story is unique in that it portrays a friendly, rather than a controversial, discussion between Jesus and a scribe. This scribe has been impressed with Jesus’ earlier reply (verses 18-27, where He answers the question “In the resurrection, whose wife will a woman who has had seven husbands be?” This scribe wants to learn more.
[One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,] 28b “Which is the first of all the commandments?”
Teachers of the Torah (scribes/rabbis) argued about the relative importance of the many commandments in the Old Testament. They wanted to find the “parent commandment” from which all others could be deduced. They had totaled 613 commandments, but had no agreement as to which was the parent.
29 Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!
Jesus cites Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (our first reading), the opening verses of the Shema, which Jews recite daily. This, however, was not among the 613 commandments they had totaled.
“Since God is one, it is ridiculous to suppose that there could be still another ‘Lord’ of heaven and earth in addition to the Lord who is one. There is simply no room for a second Lord of all, if the one true God fills all things in the compass of heaven and earth” [Saint Athanasius (ca. A.D. 318), Treatise Against the Pagans, 6,4].
30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
Jesus is still quoting from the Shema. The references to heart, soul, mind, and strength do not refer to the various parts of the person but are a way of stressing that the whole person should love God with all available resources. It is interesting to note that Deuteronomy only lists heart, soul, and strength and the parallel gospel of Matthew (22:37) lists heart, soul, and mind – almost as if Jesus, the perfect Jew, equated the mind (knowledge) with strength. When we make the sign of the cross, we are tracing the shema upon our bodies as we touch our head (soul), heart, and shoulders (strength) and pledge them to God’s service.
31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Here Jesus quotes Leviticus 19:18, which was also not among the 613 commandments. Although He had only been asked for one commandment, He has provided two. The two commandments have a common theme – LOVE – the force which binds a family together.
“This is the summit of virtue, the foundation of all God’s commandments: to the love of God is joined also love of neighbor. One who loves God does not neglect his brother, nor esteem money more than a limb of his own, but shows him great generosity, mindful of him who has said, ‘Whoever did it to the least of my brothers did it to me.’ He is aware that the Lord of all considers as done to Himself what is done in generosity to the poor in giving relief. He does not take into consideration the lowly appearance of the poor, but the greatness of the One who has promised to accept as done to Himself what is given to the poor” [Saint John Chrysostom (A.D. 388), Homilies On Genesis, 55,12].
There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’
The scribe expresses agreement with Jesus by paraphrasing Him without any hint of hostility or irony.
33 And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
This merely echoes Hosea 6:6 and 1 Samuel 15:22. It is not a condemnation of the sacrificial system.
“My brothers, shun not only the holding, but even the hearing, of the judgment that bans mercy. For mercy is better than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices” [Pope Saint Callistus I (ca. A.D. 217), Second Epistle to All the Bishops of Gaul, 6].
34 And when Jesus saw that (he) answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Like the rich man, the scribe is close to the coming kingdom. The scribe’s correct understanding and willingness to learn is what is important (see Mark 10:13-16). Unlike the rich man, Jesus doesn’t say “there is one more thing” (Mark 10:21); the scribe has no impediments.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church,
Picayune, MS http://www.scborromeo.org
THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY
TIME
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, MARK 12:28b-34
(Deuteronomy 6:2-6; Psalm 18; Hebrews 7:23-28)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, MARK 12:28b-34
(Deuteronomy 6:2-6; Psalm 18; Hebrews 7:23-28)
KEY VERSE: "There is no other commandment greater than these" (v 31).
TO KNOW: The scribes were the learned interpreters of the Law of Moses. They expanded the Law into 613 greater and lesser rules and regulations. One scribe recognized Jesus' skill as a teacher, and asked him which one of the Mosaic Laws was the greatest. Jesus recognized the scribe's sincere search for truth. He summed up the entire Law with two basic decrees that he saw as inseparable. They were the Laws upon which all the other commandments were based: to love God with one's entire being (Deut 6:2), and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Lev 19:18). The scribe saw how Jesus has combined two commands given to Israel by Moses, and he declared that the love of God and love of neighbor was worth more than any religious acts that one could perform. Because the scribe understood this principle, he moved a step closer to God's reign.
TO LOVE: Is my love of God demonstrated by the way I love my neighbor? Do I have a healthy self-love?
TO SERVE: Lord God, help me to serve you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
Sunday 4
November 2018
Week III Psalter. 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time.
St Charles Borromeo.
Deuteronomy 6:2-6. Psalm 17(18):2-4, 47, 51. Hebrews 7:23-28. Mark 12:28-34.
Deuteronomy 6:2-6. Psalm 17(18):2-4, 47, 51. Hebrews 7:23-28. Mark 12:28-34.
I love you, Lord, my strength – Psalm
17(18):2-4, 47, 51.
‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart.’
We are created in the image of God. All the thoughts and actions
that make up our life, making each of us the special creature we are, are
humbly offered to our creator. As a total act of love, our whole selves are
offered to God.
Let us make our own the Suscipe prayer of St
Ignatius – ’Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my
understanding, my entire will…’
When we make this prayer, we acknowledge the gift of our self,
but also our ability to cooperate with our creator in love. ‘Give me only your
love and your grace, that is enough for me.’
Saint Charles Borromeo
Saint of the Day for November 4
(October 2, 1538 – November 3, 1584)
 |
| San Carlo Borromeo, cardinal of Milan | Wellcome Images |
Saint Charles Borromeo’s Story
The name of Charles Borromeo is associated with reform. He lived
during the time of the Protestant Reformation, and had a hand in the reform of
the whole Church during the final years of the Council of Trent.
Although he belonged to the Milanese nobility and was related to
the powerful Medici family, Charles desired to devote himself to the Church. In
1559, when his uncle, Cardinal de Medici was elected Pope Pius IV, he made
Charles cardinal-deacon and administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan. At the
time Charles was still a layman and a young student. Because of his
intellectual qualities Charles was entrusted with several important offices
connected with the Vatican, and later appointed secretary of state with
responsibility for the papal states. The untimely death of his elder brother
brought Charles to a definite decision to be ordained a priest, despite his
relatives’ insistence that he marry. Soon after being ordained a priest at age
25, Borromeo was consecrated bishop of Milan.
Working behind the scenes, Saint Charles deserves the credit for
keeping the Council of Trent in session when at several points it was on the
verge of breaking up. Borromeo encouraged the pope to renew the Council in
1562, after it had been suspended for 10 years. He took upon himself the task
of the entire correspondence during the final phase. Because of his work at the
Council, Borromeo was unable to take up residence in Milan until the Council
concluded.
Eventually, Borromeo was allowed to devote his time to the
Archdiocese of Milan, where the religious and moral picture was far from
bright. The reform needed in every phase of Catholic life among both clergy and
laity was initiated at a provincial council of all the bishops under him.
Specific regulations were drawn up for bishops and other clergy: If the people
were to be converted to a better life, Borromeo had to be the first to give a
good example and renew their apostolic spirit.
Charles took the initiative in giving a good example. He
allotted most of his income to charity, forbade himself all luxury, and imposed
severe penances upon himself. He sacrificed wealth, high honors, esteem, and
influence to become poor. During the plague and famine of 1576, Borromeo tried
to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people daily. To do this he borrowed large sums of
money that required years to repay. Whereas the civil authorities fled at the
height of the plague, he stayed in the city, where he ministered to the sick
and the dying, helping those in want.
Work and the heavy burdens of his high office began to affect
Archbishop Borromeo’s health, leading to his death at the age of 46.
Reflection
Saint Charles Borromeo made his own the words of Christ: “…I was
hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger
and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in
prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35-36). Borromeo saw Christ in his
neighbor, and knew that charity done for the least of his flock was charity
done for Christ.
Saint Charles Borromeo is the Patron Saint of:
Catechists
Catechumens
Seminarians
Catechumens
Seminarians
LECTIO: 31ST SUNDAY OF
ORDINARY TIME (B)
Lectio Divina:
Sunday, November 4, 2018
When appearances take revenge on love…
The greatest commandment: love of God and of neighbor
Mark 12:28-34
The greatest commandment: love of God and of neighbor
Mark 12:28-34
1. OPENING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, send Your Spirit to help us
to read the Scriptures with the same mind that You read them to the disciples
on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the bible, You
helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of Your
sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope
became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to Your voice in creation and in the scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May Your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples on the way to Emmaus, may experience the force of Your resurrection and witness to others that You are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of You, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us Your Spirit. Amen.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to Your voice in creation and in the scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May Your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples on the way to Emmaus, may experience the force of Your resurrection and witness to others that You are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of You, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us Your Spirit. Amen.
2. READING
a) A key to the reading:
In this Sunday’s Gospel one of the
doctors of the law, who were responsible for the teaching of religion, wants to
know from Jesus, which commandment is the greatest. Today, many people want to
know what is most important in religion. Some say it is baptism, others going
to Mass or some other Sunday liturgy, others say to love one’s neighbor! Some
are only worried about externals or positions in the Church. Before reading
Jesus’ reply, try to look into yourself and ask: “For me, what is the most
important thing in religion and life?”
The text gives us the conversation between Jesus and the doctor of the law. As you read, try to focus on the following: “What does Jesus praise in the doctors of the law and what does He criticize in them?”
The text gives us the conversation between Jesus and the doctor of the law. As you read, try to focus on the following: “What does Jesus praise in the doctors of the law and what does He criticize in them?”
b) A division of the text to help with
the reading:
Mark 12:28: The doctor of the law’s
question concerning the greatest commandment
Mark 12:29-31: Jesus’ reply
Mark 12:32-33: The doctor approves Jesus’ reply
Mark 12:34: Jesus confirms the doctor
Mark 12:29-31: Jesus’ reply
Mark 12:32-33: The doctor approves Jesus’ reply
Mark 12:34: Jesus confirms the doctor
c) Text:
One of the scribes came to Jesus and
asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus
replied, "The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord
alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your
soul, 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." The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are
right in saying, 'He is One and there is no other than he.' And 'to love him
with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and
to love your neighbor as yourself' is worth more than all burnt offerings and
sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he
said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And no one
dared to ask him any more questions.
3. A MOMENT OF PRAYERFUL
SILENCE
so that the Word of God may penetrate
and enlighten our life.
4. SOME QUESTIONS
to help us in our personal reflection.
a) What struck you most in the text?
Why?
b) What did Jesus criticize in the doctor of the law and what did He praise?
c) How should our love of God be according to verses 29 and 30? What do the following words mean in these verses: “heart, mind, strength”? Do all these words point to the same thing?
d) What is the relationship between the first and second commandments? Why?
e) Are we closer or further away from the Kingdom of God today than the doctor who was praised by Jesus? What do you think?
b) What did Jesus criticize in the doctor of the law and what did He praise?
c) How should our love of God be according to verses 29 and 30? What do the following words mean in these verses: “heart, mind, strength”? Do all these words point to the same thing?
d) What is the relationship between the first and second commandments? Why?
e) Are we closer or further away from the Kingdom of God today than the doctor who was praised by Jesus? What do you think?
5. FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO GO
DEEPER INTO THE THEME
a) The context:
i) When
Jesus began His missionary activity, the doctors in Jerusalem even went to
Galilee to observe Him (Mk 3:22; 7:1). They were disturbed by Jesus’ preaching
and already accepted the disparagement that said He was possessed by the devil
(Mk 3:22). Now, in Jerusalem, they again start arguing with Jesus.
ii) In the 70’s, when Mark was writing his Gospel, there were many changes and persecutions, so the life of the Christian communities was precarious. In times of change and uncertainty there is always the risk or temptation to seek security, not to trust in the goodness of God towards us, but rather, to trust in the rigorous observance of the law. Faced with this kind of thinking, Jesus insists on the practice of love that softens the observance of the law and gives it its true meaning.
ii) In the 70’s, when Mark was writing his Gospel, there were many changes and persecutions, so the life of the Christian communities was precarious. In times of change and uncertainty there is always the risk or temptation to seek security, not to trust in the goodness of God towards us, but rather, to trust in the rigorous observance of the law. Faced with this kind of thinking, Jesus insists on the practice of love that softens the observance of the law and gives it its true meaning.
b) A commentary on the text:
Mark 12:28: The doctor of the
law’s question
Just before the doctors put the question to Jesus, Jesus had had a discussion with the Sadducees on the matter of faith in the resurrection (Mk 12:18-27). The doctor of the law, who was present at the discussion, liked Jesus’ reply, and realized that He was someone very intelligent, so he makes most of the occasion and asks a question of his own for clarification: “Which is the greatest of all the commandments?” In those days, the Jews had very many laws to regulate the practice of the observance of the Ten Commandments of the Law of God. Some said, “All these laws carry the same weight, because they come from God. It is not up to us to make distinctions in the things of God.” Others replied, “No! Some laws are more important than others and so are more binding!” The doctor wants to know Jesus’ opinion: “Which is the first of all the commandments?” This matter was hotly debated in those days.
Just before the doctors put the question to Jesus, Jesus had had a discussion with the Sadducees on the matter of faith in the resurrection (Mk 12:18-27). The doctor of the law, who was present at the discussion, liked Jesus’ reply, and realized that He was someone very intelligent, so he makes most of the occasion and asks a question of his own for clarification: “Which is the greatest of all the commandments?” In those days, the Jews had very many laws to regulate the practice of the observance of the Ten Commandments of the Law of God. Some said, “All these laws carry the same weight, because they come from God. It is not up to us to make distinctions in the things of God.” Others replied, “No! Some laws are more important than others and so are more binding!” The doctor wants to know Jesus’ opinion: “Which is the first of all the commandments?” This matter was hotly debated in those days.
Mark 12:29-31: Jesus’ reply
Jesus replies by quoting from the Bible, which says the first commandment is “you must love God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength!” (Dt 6:4-5). These words formed part of a prayer called the Shemá. In Jesus’ days, the Jews recited this prayer twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. It was as well known to them as the Our Father is to us today. Then Jesus adds, still quoting the bible: “The second is this: ‘You will love your neighbor as yourself’ (Lev 19:18). There is no commandment greater than these.” A short and very deep answer! It is a summary of all that Jesus taught about God and life (Mt 7:12).
Jesus replies by quoting from the Bible, which says the first commandment is “you must love God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength!” (Dt 6:4-5). These words formed part of a prayer called the Shemá. In Jesus’ days, the Jews recited this prayer twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. It was as well known to them as the Our Father is to us today. Then Jesus adds, still quoting the bible: “The second is this: ‘You will love your neighbor as yourself’ (Lev 19:18). There is no commandment greater than these.” A short and very deep answer! It is a summary of all that Jesus taught about God and life (Mt 7:12).
Mark 12:32-33: The doctor of the
law’s reply
The doctor agrees with Jesus and concludes, “Yes! To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, this is far more important than any burnt offering or sacrifice”. In other words, the commandment of love is more important than all the commandments that have to do with cult or sacrifices in the Temple. This statement comes from the prophets of the Old Testament (Hos 6:6; Ps 40:6-8; Ps 51:16-17). Today we would say: the practice of love is more important than novenas, vows, Masses, prayers and processions. Or rather, novenas, vows, Masses, prayers and processions must be the result of the practice of love and must lead to love. This a fine and subtle distinction, and worthy of reflection.
The doctor agrees with Jesus and concludes, “Yes! To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, this is far more important than any burnt offering or sacrifice”. In other words, the commandment of love is more important than all the commandments that have to do with cult or sacrifices in the Temple. This statement comes from the prophets of the Old Testament (Hos 6:6; Ps 40:6-8; Ps 51:16-17). Today we would say: the practice of love is more important than novenas, vows, Masses, prayers and processions. Or rather, novenas, vows, Masses, prayers and processions must be the result of the practice of love and must lead to love. This a fine and subtle distinction, and worthy of reflection.
Mark 12:34: A summary of the
Kingdom
Jesus affirms the conclusion drawn by the doctor and says, “You are not far from the Kingdom!” Indeed, the Kingdom of God consists in recognizing that the love of God and neighbor are the most important things. If God is Father, then we all are brothers and sisters and we must show this in practice by living as a community. “On these two commandments hang the law and the Prophets!” (Mt 22:40) Jesus’ disciples must engrave this great law on their memory, their intellect, their heart: only thus can we attain God in the total gift of self to the neighbor!
Jesus affirms the conclusion drawn by the doctor and says, “You are not far from the Kingdom!” Indeed, the Kingdom of God consists in recognizing that the love of God and neighbor are the most important things. If God is Father, then we all are brothers and sisters and we must show this in practice by living as a community. “On these two commandments hang the law and the Prophets!” (Mt 22:40) Jesus’ disciples must engrave this great law on their memory, their intellect, their heart: only thus can we attain God in the total gift of self to the neighbor!
Mark 12:35-37: Jesus criticizes
the teaching of the doctors of the law on the Messiah
The official propaganda of the state and of the doctors of the law stated that the messiah would come as Son of David. This was meant to teach that the messiah would be a glorious, strong and dominating king. This is what the crowd shouted on Palm Sunday: "Blessed is the coming kingdom of David, our Father!" (Mk 11:10). The blind man from Jericho also cried out: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” (Mk 10:47). But here Jesus questions this teaching of the doctors. He quotes a psalm of David: “The Lord said to my lord, take your seat at my right, till I make your enemies your footstool!” (Ps 110:1) Then Jesus goes on, “If David himself says my Lord, how can the Messiah be his son?” This means that Jesus did not agree with the idea of a glorious king Messiah, who would come to dominate and impose his reign on all his enemies. Jesus prefers being the servant Messiah proclaimed by Isaiah (Is 42:1-9). He says: “The Son of Man Himself came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45).
The official propaganda of the state and of the doctors of the law stated that the messiah would come as Son of David. This was meant to teach that the messiah would be a glorious, strong and dominating king. This is what the crowd shouted on Palm Sunday: "Blessed is the coming kingdom of David, our Father!" (Mk 11:10). The blind man from Jericho also cried out: “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” (Mk 10:47). But here Jesus questions this teaching of the doctors. He quotes a psalm of David: “The Lord said to my lord, take your seat at my right, till I make your enemies your footstool!” (Ps 110:1) Then Jesus goes on, “If David himself says my Lord, how can the Messiah be his son?” This means that Jesus did not agree with the idea of a glorious king Messiah, who would come to dominate and impose his reign on all his enemies. Jesus prefers being the servant Messiah proclaimed by Isaiah (Is 42:1-9). He says: “The Son of Man Himself came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10:45).
Mark 12:38-40: Jesus criticizes
the doctors of the Law
Jesus then draws the disciples’ attention to the one-sided and hypocritical attitude of some of the doctors of the law. These doctors liked to walk about in squares wearing long tunics, being greeted by people, taking first place in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. They liked going into the homes of widows and preaching long sermons so as to get money! Then Jesus ends by saying, “The more severe will be the sentence they receive!” It would be good for us also to make an examination of conscience based on this text to see whether we can see ourselves mirrored in there! Jesus has harsh words for those who mislead others (Mt 18:6, 23:3-5), and so we should be careful how our actions and words influence and lead others.
Jesus then draws the disciples’ attention to the one-sided and hypocritical attitude of some of the doctors of the law. These doctors liked to walk about in squares wearing long tunics, being greeted by people, taking first place in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. They liked going into the homes of widows and preaching long sermons so as to get money! Then Jesus ends by saying, “The more severe will be the sentence they receive!” It would be good for us also to make an examination of conscience based on this text to see whether we can see ourselves mirrored in there! Jesus has harsh words for those who mislead others (Mt 18:6, 23:3-5), and so we should be careful how our actions and words influence and lead others.
C) Further information:
The greatest commandment
The greatest and first commandment is
and ever will be “love God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all
your strength” (Mk 12:30). At the times when the people of God, throughout the
centuries, deepened their understanding of and gave importance to the love of
God, then they became aware that the love of God would be real only when it
becomes concrete in the love of neighbor. That is why the second commandment,
to love the neighbor, is similar to the first, to love God (Mt 22:39; Mk
12:31). “Anyone who says “I love God’ and hates his brother, is a liar” (1 Jn
4:20). “On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets too” (Mt
22:40). At first, it was not clear what the love of neighbor entailed.
Concerning this point, there was an evolution in three stages in the history of
the people of God:
1st Stage: “Neighbor” is kindred of the same race
The Old Testament already taught the obligation to “love your neighbor as yourself!” (Lev 19:18). In those long distant days, the word neighbor was synonymous with kindred. They felt obliged to love all those who were members of the same family, clan, tribe and people. As for foreigners, that is, people who did not belong to the Jewish people, Deuteronomy says, “You may exact remission of debt from foreigners, but you must remit whatever claim you have on your brother (kindred, neighbor)!” (Dt 15:3).
The Old Testament already taught the obligation to “love your neighbor as yourself!” (Lev 19:18). In those long distant days, the word neighbor was synonymous with kindred. They felt obliged to love all those who were members of the same family, clan, tribe and people. As for foreigners, that is, people who did not belong to the Jewish people, Deuteronomy says, “You may exact remission of debt from foreigners, but you must remit whatever claim you have on your brother (kindred, neighbor)!” (Dt 15:3).
2nd Stage: “Neighbor is anyone I approach or who approaches
me
Gradually, the concept of neighbor grew. Thus, in Jesus’ time there was a great discussion as to “who is my neighbor?” Some doctors said that the concept of neighbor had to be extended beyond the limits of race. Others, however, would not hear of this. That is why a doctor went to Jesus with the debated question: “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:29-37), where the neighbor was not a relative, nor a friend, nor a nobleman, but the one who approached you, independent of religion, color, race, sex or language. You must love him!
Gradually, the concept of neighbor grew. Thus, in Jesus’ time there was a great discussion as to “who is my neighbor?” Some doctors said that the concept of neighbor had to be extended beyond the limits of race. Others, however, would not hear of this. That is why a doctor went to Jesus with the debated question: “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:29-37), where the neighbor was not a relative, nor a friend, nor a nobleman, but the one who approached you, independent of religion, color, race, sex or language. You must love him!
3rd Stage: The measure of our love of “neighbor” is to
love as Jesus loves us
Jesus had said to the doctor of the Law: "You are not far from the kingdom of God!" (Mk 12:34). The doctor was already close to the Kingdom because in fact the Kingdom consists in uniting the love of God with the love of neighbor, as the doctor had solemnly declared in Jesus’ presence (Mk 12:33). But to enter the Kingdom he still needed one more step. The criterion for loving the neighbor as taught in the Old Testament was “as yourself”. Jesus stretches this criterion and says: “This is My commandment: love one another as I have loved you! No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends!” (Jn 15:12-13). The criterion in the New Testament then is: “To love one’s neighbor as Jesus has loved us!”. Jesus gave the true interpretation of the Word of God and showed the sure way to attain a more just and fraternal way of life.
Jesus had said to the doctor of the Law: "You are not far from the kingdom of God!" (Mk 12:34). The doctor was already close to the Kingdom because in fact the Kingdom consists in uniting the love of God with the love of neighbor, as the doctor had solemnly declared in Jesus’ presence (Mk 12:33). But to enter the Kingdom he still needed one more step. The criterion for loving the neighbor as taught in the Old Testament was “as yourself”. Jesus stretches this criterion and says: “This is My commandment: love one another as I have loved you! No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends!” (Jn 15:12-13). The criterion in the New Testament then is: “To love one’s neighbor as Jesus has loved us!”. Jesus gave the true interpretation of the Word of God and showed the sure way to attain a more just and fraternal way of life.
6. PRAYING WITH PSALM 46 (45)
God, revealed in Jesus, is our strength!
God is both refuge and strength for
us,
a help always ready in trouble;
so we shall not be afraid though the earth be in turmoil,
though mountains tumble into the depths of the sea,
and its waters roar and seethe,
and the mountains totter as it heaves.
a help always ready in trouble;
so we shall not be afraid though the earth be in turmoil,
though mountains tumble into the depths of the sea,
and its waters roar and seethe,
and the mountains totter as it heaves.
There is a river whose streams bring joy
to God's city,
it sanctifies the dwelling of the Most High.
God is in the city, it cannot fall;
at break of day God comes to its rescue.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms are tumbling,
when He raises His voice the earth crumbles away.
it sanctifies the dwelling of the Most High.
God is in the city, it cannot fall;
at break of day God comes to its rescue.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms are tumbling,
when He raises His voice the earth crumbles away.
Yahweh Sabaoth is with us,
our citadel, the God of Jacob.
Come, consider the wonders of Yahweh,
the astounding deeds He has done on the earth;
He puts an end to wars over the whole wide world,
He breaks the bow,
He snaps the spear,
the shields He burns in the fire.
“Be still and acknowledge that I am God,
supreme over nations, supreme over the world.”
our citadel, the God of Jacob.
Come, consider the wonders of Yahweh,
the astounding deeds He has done on the earth;
He puts an end to wars over the whole wide world,
He breaks the bow,
He snaps the spear,
the shields He burns in the fire.
“Be still and acknowledge that I am God,
supreme over nations, supreme over the world.”
Yahweh Sabaoth is with us,
our citadel, the God of Jacob.
our citadel, the God of Jacob.
7. FINAL PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the word
that has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May Your
Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice that which
Your Word has revealed to us. May we, like Mary, Your mother, not only listen
to but also practice the Word. You who live and reign with the Father in the
unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
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