Scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 12:28b-34
Reflection:
There were endless arguments in Jesus’ time about which of the 613 commandments was to be most honoured. That is, which was ‘the greatest.’
Scholars debated this amongst themselves at every opportunity (often over a meal) and as was the custom when the learned debated over in public forums or in a household over a meal, others looked on and listened to the wisdom being expounded. Scholars formed ‘schools’ of opinion, with their own disciples adhering, and argued, often fiercely with each other about interpretation. Jesus too was often called upon to favour one side over the other – sometimes innocently, but mostly to see if he could be trapped and aligned with one school of opinion.
So, one might normally approach scenes where Jesus is questioned, with some caution – it is an innocent question or is there a more political motive? Yet today we see a sincere question from someone who obviously has searched not only the scriptures, but his heart. Through him we learn a great truth today.
In the response to the scribe’s question about “Which is the first of all the commandments?” we see Jesus’ reply with an instruction that goes to the core identity of each person and to the vocation of Israel itself. All are to honour and love God as the “Lord alone”, and we are to do so with all our heart, soul, mind and strength – all attributes that sum up the totality of how our ‘inner life’ or our totality of capacity was seen or understood in those times.
However, the genius of Jesus is that he moves the focus to our social or exterior life, too. Our beliefs are to be lived not only in our inner world, but also in the world of relationships and social life that also mark and define our capacity to be human. “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”.
This is the great command. This is our core mandate from Jesus, the heart of the gospel and the only deep law of love. Love God above all certainly but love our fellow travellers who ae made in the image and likeness of God too.
This is our primary way to live with integrity, and how we might extend the reign of God in our world.
Let us do this. If we do, then as Jesus says, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is the Provincial Superior of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.