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 Psalm Ps 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 2 Heb 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.
Gospel Mk 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.
www.usccb.org
Scripture Study
November 4, 2012 Thirty-First Sunday of
Ordinary Time
The readings this week deal with the concept of what is most
important. Many things are important or worthwhile in life but what is it that
is most important among them. The scriptures today present answers to that
question concerning "the Old Testament Law," the place of Christ in
our redemption, and the New Testament Law of Jesus. They force me to consider :
To what extent do I hide behind the forms of Christian worship while harboring
unchristian attitudes? To what extent is my worship of God carried forth in
daily life among people who are not always lovable? To what extent do I let my
love of God express itself in love of neighbor when it is not the in thing to
do?
NOTES on First Reading:
* 6:2 The section 6:1-3 is a conclusion
to a distinct address. Compare with 4:44-49.
* 6:3 This description of the land is
also found in Deut 11:9; 26:9,15; 27:3; 31:20.
* 6:4-5 This passage proclaims the basic
underlying principle of the whole Mosaic law which is also the keynote of the
Book of Deuteronomy: since the Lord alone is God, we must love him with an
undivided heart. Christ cited these words as "the greatest and the first
commandment," embracing in itself the whole law of God (Matthew 22:37,38
and parallels). Eventually this passage became a part of the Shema (Deut 6:4-9;
11:13-21; Num 15:37-41) which was the principal Jewish confession of faith.
Originally, this was probably not intended as an affirmation of monotheism so
much as a statement of exclusive devotion to Yahweh.
* 6:5 The word, love, eventually took on
a connotation of covenant fidelity.
NOTES on Second Reading:
* 7:23-24 The idea of a "better
covenant " in verse 22 is illustrated with an example of superiority in
that the new covenant is eternal, like the priesthood of Jesus upon which it is
based whereas the Mosaic covenant was founded upon mortal priests who had to be
constantly replaced.
* 7: 25 This intercession has often
been seen as a priestly work that is different from but related Jesus'
completed sacrifice on the cross. This view is held by those who regard the
work of atonement as coextensive with Jesus' death on the cross which is a past
event. However, many have also held that the following chapters indicate that
the sacrifice of Jesus can not be limited to His death. Rather, His exaltation
is an essential part of the sacrifice. Hence the sacrifice cannot be considered
past since its climax takes place in heaven where the time sequences of earth
are surpassed. There is some evidence that in late Judaism expiatory sacrifice
was regarded as intercession. If that concept is reflected in this verse, then
the intercession of the Exalted Jesus should not be thought of as a sequel to
His sacrifice at Calvary but rather its eternal presence in heaven. See also
Rom 8:34.
* 7:26 This verse appears to be a hymn
in honor of the exalted Jesus, the High Priest, that corresponds to the
Melchizedek hymn of verse 3.
*7:27 This is the first mention in
Hebrews of the victim of Jesus' sacrifice, Himself. The absolute sufficiency of
that sacrifice is indicated by the phrase , "once for all," which
occurs 11 times in Hebrews.
* 7:28 The author is referring to a
possible objection that the Mosaic law set aside the priesthood spoken of in
Psalm 110. He says that the promise of the new nonlevitical priesthood came
long after the law that has established the Old Testament priesthood and that
an oath from God appointed not another weak human creature, but rather the Son
Himself, as the new High Priest consecrated a priest forever.
NOTES on Gospel:
* 12:28-34 This section presents the fourth
of the five controversies presented by Mark's Gospel as taking place on the
third day of what is to become Passion Week. The question as to which of the
613 precepts of the Old Testament Law was the most important was a popular
topic of discussion at the time and was a question frequently asked of
distinguished visiting Jewish teachers. This is one of the few times in the
gospel when Jesus directly answered a question posed by someone who was not a
disciple. In His answer, Jesus combines two Old Testament quotations (Deut 6:
4-5 and Lev 19: 18) which serves to emphasize His orthodoxy as a Jewish teacher
and still demonstrated His tendency to get to the root of things. This passage
is very important because of the importance that it implies ought to be placed
on inner and basic dispositions. This is a very great change from the basic
Jewish idea of : either you follow the law or you don't. See Matt 5:21-48 for
an even stronger emphasis of this.
* 12:28 This questioner differs from
the others in his lack of hostility and in the approval he receives from Jesus
(See also Matt 22:35; Luke 10:25). His attitude and sincere desire to learn
make this a learning exercise instead of a true controversy story. The question
that Jesus is asked had been asked of many Jewish teachers and would continue
to be asked. The famous Jewish teacher, Hillel, answered a similar question by
saying, "What you hate for yourself, do not do to your neighbor. This is
the whole law; the rest is commentary. Go and learn." This was in answer
to a proselyte who wished to be instructed while standing on one leg. Hillel
assumed that this saying would summarize the Law and provide a unifying
principle for the 613 precepts. The early Christians understood Jesus' summary
of the Law as permission to disregard the ritual commandments. Whether Jesus
intended that by His statement is not clear in the text.
* 12:29 Jesus responds with a quote
from Deut 6:4-5. This is the first of three texts (Deut 6: 4-9; 11:13-21; and
Num 15:37-41) recited twice daily by pious Jews. The command to love God flows
from His nature as the only God.
* 12:30 The four nouns, heart, soul,
mind, and strength are not intended to refer to various parts of the person.
Rather, they are intended to signify the whole person who is to love God with
all available resources.
* 12:31 While asked for one
commandment, Jesus adds a second. There is no attempt at equating the two or at
joining them (Luke 10:27). This second commandment is taken from Lev 19:18.
(See also Rom 13:9; Gal 5:14; Jas 2:8 for later development of this idea.) The
two commandments are connected by the word, "love." The juxtaposition
of the two was an original theological idea.
* 12:32 The scribe expresses his
agreement with Jesus by paraphrasing His statement without hostility or irony.
Matthew sharpens (Matt 22: 34-40) the scene by leaving out both the scribe's
response to Jesus' answer and Jesus' approval of the scribe which results in a
depiction of it as a controversy story rather than a teaching stemming from a real
question by one who wants to learn as Mark shows it.
* 12:33 The scribe echoes Hos 6:6 and 1
Sam 15:22 and probably is not meant to condemn the sacrifices and Temple
worship. For the scribe, love of God and love of neighbor were the principles
underlying the sacrificial system of Israel.
* 12:34 The Kingdom of God is presented
here as accessible rather than future and seems to have a spacial dimension.
The scribe's correct understanding of what is important in the Old Testament
Law places him close to the coming kingdom and prepares him to receive it
properly.
www.st-raymond-dublin.org
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. 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 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)
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Not Far from
the Kingdom
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Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Mark 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.
Introductory Prayer: Jesus Christ, where else can I turn
each day but to you? One day, I will make that final turn to you, and it will
last for all eternity. Yet as in everything else, you set the pace, you take
the initiative, and you are the protagonist. You will turn and look my way
first and I, as I strive daily to do, will respond and gaze back into your
eyes. This moment of prayer is a rehearsal for that final turn to you. Amen.
Petition: Lord, teach me to
walk the way of generous love.
1. Mapping It Out! All of us can admire complete and
faithful love. Christ´s interaction with the scribe in today´s Gospel spells
out for us this love. This is the great commandment. This is the key to our
lives. This is a simple, all-embracing principle by which to live. Moreover,
this is exactly what a "click-here" world wants. We want to
simplify our lives. Christ makes the map of our life simple. We need to act
out of love for God and unite all our strength, heart, soul and mind in this
one endeavor: Love God. Are we complicating our lives unnecessarily?
2. Eyes on the Destination! Jesus Christ has made
of his earthly life a perfect example of how we are to live. He demonstrates
an unclouded love. He is truly single-hearted! He loves his father with all
his heart, soul, mind and strength. We need to keep our eyes on Christ as our
final destination. We can imitate him in his love for his Father. As Romano
Guardini states, “The Lord’s entire life proceeds from his Father’s will. But
it is in this [wisdom] that he is truly himself. He is truly himself in that
he does not do his own will, but the will of his Father, and so fulfills the
deepest and most private principle of his being. There is a word for this:
love!” Could it be simpler?
3. Not Far! If we want to reach a destination, the
shortest path is a straight line. When we love God with all our heart, soul,
mind and strength, we straighten our path. When we have other loves,
competitive loves, loves that leave God out of our actions, that make us lose
momentum and wander in all sorts of directions, we are not going to get close
to the Kingdom. Can we not unite everything in a single-hearted love for God?
If we do, then every email, phone call, meal, sporting event, errand,
business meeting and class -- absolutely everything -- will take us to the
Kingdom and not away from it.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, I want a
single-hearted life. I was made for you, and my heart will be restless until
it rests in you. Instruct me in a love for you that will be exercised in all
I do today and every day of my life until I surrender my heart, soul, mind
and strength to you for all eternity.
Resolution: I will consciously
live as much of this day as possible as an exercise of love for God, offering
him each moment, activity and prayer.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4
THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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).
READING: 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, and he summed up the entire Law with 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 6:5), and to love one's neighbor as oneself. The first was the traditional Shemaprayer, which every Israelite prayed twice daily: �Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!� (v. 29). Jesus then adds a second command: �You shall love your neighbor as yourself� (Lev 19:18). In effect, Jesus made the first of all the commandments into one dual commandment --�There is no greater commandment than these� (v. 31).The scribe declared that the love of God and love of neighbor was worth more than any religious acts one could perform. Because the scribe understood this principle, he moved a step closer to God's reign.
REFLECTING: Is my love of God demonstrated by the way I love my neighbor? Do I have a healthy love of self?
PRAYING: Lord God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
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).
READING: 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, and he summed up the entire Law with 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 6:5), and to love one's neighbor as oneself. The first was the traditional Shemaprayer, which every Israelite prayed twice daily: �Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!� (v. 29). Jesus then adds a second command: �You shall love your neighbor as yourself� (Lev 19:18). In effect, Jesus made the first of all the commandments into one dual commandment --�There is no greater commandment than these� (v. 31).The scribe declared that the love of God and love of neighbor was worth more than any religious acts one could perform. Because the scribe understood this principle, he moved a step closer to God's reign.
REFLECTING: Is my love of God demonstrated by the way I love my neighbor? Do I have a healthy love of self?
PRAYING: Lord God, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
www.daily-word-of-life.com
I love you, Lord, my strength
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.
When we make this prayer, we acknowledge the gift of ourself, but also our ability to cooperate with our creator, by way of love. Let us take time to reflect on where our heart, soul and mind are, and to give thanks for that awareness.
Let us go to the prayer of St Ignatius—’Take, Lord, and receive all …’ It implies great trust and confidence and blesses us with a sense of freedom, within the boundaries of our life.
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MINUTE
MEDITATIONS
Our Greatest Goal
What is the greatest “fruit” that a follower
and friend of Jesus could bear, the greatest work he or she could do? To help
others attain eternal salvation!
— from Jesus: What Catholics Believe
November 4
St. Charles Borromeo
(1538-1584)
St. Charles Borromeo
(1538-1584)
The name of St. 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 Milanese nobility and was related to the powerful Medici family, he
desired to devote himself to the Church. When his uncle, Cardinal de Medici,
was elected pope in 1559 as Pius IV, he made Charles cardinal-deacon and
administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan while he was still a layman and a
young student. Because of his intellectual qualities he 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 relatives’ insistence that he marry. Soon after he
was ordained a priest at the age of 25, he was consecrated bishop of Milan.
Because of his
work at the Council of Trent, he was not allowed to take up residence in Milan
until the Council was over. Charles had encouraged the pope to renew the
Council in 1562 after it had been suspended for 10 years. Working behind the
scenes, St. Charles deserves the credit for keeping the Council in session when
at several points it was on the verge of breaking up. He took upon himself the
task of the entire correspondence during the final phase.
Eventually
Charles 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, he had to be the first to give a good example and renew their apostolic
spirit.
Charles took the
initiative in giving 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, he 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 his health. He died at the age
of 46.
Comment:
St. Charles 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). Charles saw Christ in his neighbor and knew that charity done for the least of his flock was charity done for Christ.
St. Charles 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). Charles saw Christ in his neighbor and knew that charity done for the least of his flock was charity done for Christ.
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| Itercession of Charles Borromeo supported by the Virgin Mary by Rottmayr (Karlskirche, Vienna) |
Quote:
"Christ summons the Church, as she goes her pilgrim way, to that continual reformation of which she always has need, insofar as she is an institution of men here on earth. Consequently, if, in various times and circumstances, there have been deficiencies in moral conduct or in Church discipline, or even in the way that Church teaching has been formulated—to be carefully distinguished from the deposit of faith itself—these should be set right at the opportune moment and in the proper way" (Decree on Ecumenism, 6, Austin Flannery translation).
"Christ summons the Church, as she goes her pilgrim way, to that continual reformation of which she always has need, insofar as she is an institution of men here on earth. Consequently, if, in various times and circumstances, there have been deficiencies in moral conduct or in Church discipline, or even in the way that Church teaching has been formulated—to be carefully distinguished from the deposit of faith itself—these should be set right at the opportune moment and in the proper way" (Decree on Ecumenism, 6, Austin Flannery translation).
Patron
Saint of:
Catechists
Catechumens
Seminarians
Catechists
Catechumens
Seminarians
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LECTIO: 31ST SUNDAY
OF ORDINARY TIME (B)
Lectio:
Sunday,
November 4, 2012 - 18
When appearances
take revenge on love…
The greatest commandment: love of God and of neighbour
Mark 12:28-34
The greatest commandment: love of God and of neighbour
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 from 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.
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 from 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 is the greatest commandment. Today, too, 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 to love one’s neighbour! 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 criticise 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 criticise 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:
28 One of the scribes who had listened to them
debating appreciated that Jesus had given a good answer and put a further
question to him, 'Which is the first of all the commandments?' 29 Jesus
replied, 'This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one, only
Lord, 30 and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your
soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. 31 The second is this: You
must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than
these.' 32 The scribe said to him, 'Well spoken, Master; what you have said is
true, that he is one and there is no other. 33 To love him with all your heart,
with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as
yourself, this is far more important than any burnt offering or sacrifice.' 34
Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, 'You are not far from the kingdom
of God.' And after that no one dared to question him any more.
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 criticise 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 today closer or further away from the Kingdom of God than the doctor who was praised by Jesus? What do you think?
b) What did Jesus criticise 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 today closer or further away from the Kingdom of God 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 calumny that said he was possessed by the devil (Mk 3:22). Now, in
Jerusalem, again they start arguing with Jesus.
ii) In the 70’s, when Mark was writing his Gospel, there were many changes and persecutions, and 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 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, and 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 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 here 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 here 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 neighbour 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 neighbour 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 neighbour 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.
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 neighbour 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.
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 recognising that the love of God and neighbour are the most important thing. And if God is Father, then we all are brothers and sisters and we must show this in practice by living in 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 neighbour!
Jesus affirms the conclusion drawn by the doctor and says: “You are not far from the Kingdom!” Indeed, the Kingdom of God consists in recognising that the love of God and neighbour are the most important thing. And if God is Father, then we all are brothers and sisters and we must show this in practice by living in 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 neighbour!
Mark 12:35-37: Jesus
criticises 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
criticises the doctors of the Law
Jesus then draws the disciples’ attention to the tendentious and hypocritical attitude of some of the doctors of the Law. These liked to walk about in squares wearing long tunics, being greeted by people, taking first place in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets. They liked going into the homes of widows and preach 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 then draws the disciples’ attention to the tendentious and hypocritical attitude of some of the doctors of the Law. These liked to walk about in squares wearing long tunics, being greeted by people, taking first place in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets. They liked going into the homes of widows and preach 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!
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 neighbour. That is why the second commandment
to love the neighbour, 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 neighbour entailed.
Concerning this point, there was an evolution in three stages in the history of
the people of God:
1st Stage: “Neighbour”
is kindred of the same race
The Old Testament already taught the obligation to “love your neighbour as yourself!” (Lv 19:18). In those long distant days, the word neighbour 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 exploit, but you must remit whatever claim you have on your brother (kindred, neighbour)!” (Dt 15:3).
The Old Testament already taught the obligation to “love your neighbour as yourself!” (Lv 19:18). In those long distant days, the word neighbour 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 exploit, but you must remit whatever claim you have on your brother (kindred, neighbour)!” (Dt 15:3).
2nd Stage: “Neighbour
is anyone I approach or who approaches me
Gradually, the concept of neighbour grew. Thus, in Jesus’ time there was a great discussion as to “who is my neighbour?” Some doctors said that the concept of neighbour 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 neighbour?” Jesus replied with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:29-37), where the neighbour was not a relative, nor a friend, nor a nobleman, but the one who approached you, independent of religion, colour, race, sex or language. You must love him!
Gradually, the concept of neighbour grew. Thus, in Jesus’ time there was a great discussion as to “who is my neighbour?” Some doctors said that the concept of neighbour 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 neighbour?” Jesus replied with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:29-37), where the neighbour was not a relative, nor a friend, nor a nobleman, but the one who approached you, independent of religion, colour, race, sex or language. You must love him!
3rd Stage: The
measure of our love of “neighbour” 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 neighbour, 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 neighbour 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 neighbour 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 neighbour, 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 neighbour 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 neighbour 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,
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,
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 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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