Gospel Reading: Mark 12: 28- 34
One of the scribes came up to Jesus and put a question to him, ‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ Jesus replied, ‘This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, 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. The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ The scribe said to him, ‘Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true: that he is one and there is no other. To love with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any holocaust or sacrifice.’ Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And after that no one dared question him anymore.
GUIDELINES TO HELP US TO MEDITATE ON THE PASSAGE SO AS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE GOD’S PRESENCE AND ACTIVITY IN OUR LIVES AND WORLD TODAY.
(Prepared by Volunteers from the Lectio Centre Project)
‘And they put a question to him…’
Let the passage remind you of a time when you were asked a direct question, for example, by a child who was asking important questions about life, and you took time to answer it honestly with love and compassion.
Maybe you have been the one seeking answers to difficult questions; from
a doctor, an employer, spouse, family member. Take time to reflect and give thanks for the people who have spoken wisely to you; and for the times you have shared your wisdom with others.
‘You must love your neighbour as yourself…’
Jesus reminds us that true love of God, includes love of neighbour, and love of self. Remember a profound experience of love where they all came together for you, and you were at peace with God, with your neighbour and with yourself at the same time. Forgive us for the times that we have tended to separate them in thought and practice.
‘You are not far from the kingdom of heaven.’
Remember a time when someone affirmed you very deeply: your goodness, love, honesty or truth and it was a powerful source of inspiration and encouragement for you. We ask forgiveness for the times when we have been mean or slow in affirming the good we see in others. Lord give us generous hearts.
