Cycle B, Year II
4 November
2012: 31st
Sunday in
Ordinary Time
(Liturgical color: Green)
Mark 12:28b-34
Love: the greatest of all commandments!
We rejoice with the universal Church as we share the joy and the blessing on the canonization of the second Filipino saint in the person of Pedro Calungsod in October 2012. The fidelity, commitment and martyrdom of this youthful saint is our inspiration how to be true followers of Jesus Christ, even to the extreme sacrifice of one's life. Indeed, this is a great testimony that faith is alive in the Philippines as a Catholic country in this part of creation.
The readings for this Sunday also provide helpful tips on Christian living. The theme of the Gospel narrative, for example, draws us back to the heart of our faith.
One of the scribes engages Jesus in a discussion and asks him what is the most important of God's commandments. Although as a scribe he knows the Law himself, perhaps he wants Jesus to confirm his understanding of the Law.
In response, Jesus points out that in fact the whole Law can be condensed into just two commandments of love.
The first, and most important, consists in unconditional love of God: "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 commandment is a consequence and the result of the first: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The word "neighbor" here means whoever is in need.
The summary of the Law means that behind the commandments is a life of love that God demands from his people. Thus, our love of God must show itself in the love for our neighbor. Because the latter springs from our love of God, and because man is created in the image of God.
A person who genuinely loves God loves his fellows as well. Because they are brothers and sisters, children of the same Father, and redeemed by the same Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All our external worship and piety becomes empty and meaningless if it does not express our internal loving attitude. And without such love, following God's commandments become burdensome.
In other words, the heart of our faith is the love of God, which is shown in the love for others, especially the poor and the helpless. Love then is the very foundation of our Christian life.
A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.
(Liturgical color: Green)
Mark 12:28b-34
Love: the greatest of all commandments!
We rejoice with the universal Church as we share the joy and the blessing on the canonization of the second Filipino saint in the person of Pedro Calungsod in October 2012. The fidelity, commitment and martyrdom of this youthful saint is our inspiration how to be true followers of Jesus Christ, even to the extreme sacrifice of one's life. Indeed, this is a great testimony that faith is alive in the Philippines as a Catholic country in this part of creation.
The readings for this Sunday also provide helpful tips on Christian living. The theme of the Gospel narrative, for example, draws us back to the heart of our faith.
One of the scribes engages Jesus in a discussion and asks him what is the most important of God's commandments. Although as a scribe he knows the Law himself, perhaps he wants Jesus to confirm his understanding of the Law.
In response, Jesus points out that in fact the whole Law can be condensed into just two commandments of love.
The first, and most important, consists in unconditional love of God: "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 commandment is a consequence and the result of the first: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The word "neighbor" here means whoever is in need.
The summary of the Law means that behind the commandments is a life of love that God demands from his people. Thus, our love of God must show itself in the love for our neighbor. Because the latter springs from our love of God, and because man is created in the image of God.
A person who genuinely loves God loves his fellows as well. Because they are brothers and sisters, children of the same Father, and redeemed by the same Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All our external worship and piety becomes empty and meaningless if it does not express our internal loving attitude. And without such love, following God's commandments become burdensome.
In other words, the heart of our faith is the love of God, which is shown in the love for others, especially the poor and the helpless. Love then is the very foundation of our Christian life.
A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.
Deo Optimo Maximo
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