In today’s readings we are given a glimpse of what might have been. The tension between Judaism and Christianity did not need to happen. Jesus is questioned by a scribe and the answer he gives is completely acceptable to the Pharisee. They agree on the greatest commandment and they agree that love of neighbor is inextricably connected to our love for God. Jesus acknowledges that the scribe is “not far from the Kingdom of God,” and the scribe asserts that this two-fold commandment is “worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” In doing so the Pharisee is simply recalling something already present in Jewish tradition. The Book of the Prophet Hosea tells us that God prefers our love and loyalty to burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6)
Sometimes we focus too much on the things that keep us apart and not enough on the things that bring us together. Love binds all people of every age and every culture. By His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus shows us the true nature of love as well as the true nature of worship.
Our love for God is the surest way we have to finding true happiness and rich, fulfilling, lives. Because the two are so closely bound together we can grow stronger in our love for God by exercising our love for our neighbor. Through works of mercy, meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of our brothers and sisters, we exercise the love that God himself has planted in our hearts.
Pax Vobiscum
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
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