The Great
Commandment is a name used in the New Testament to describe the first of two
commandments cited by Jesus in [Matthew 22:35-40, Mark 12:28-34], and in answer
to him in [Luke 10:27] ... and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to
test him. "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He
[Jesus] said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your
heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest
and first commandment. Love God above all else. And the second is like it: 'You
shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the
law and the prophets."
The Letter
to the Hebrews issues a call to “offer God a sacrifice of praise” …to “do
his will” …and to “give God glory forever and ever.” [Hebrews 13:15-21] At a most basic level, we’re encouraged: Love God!
The letter
also encourages us to “do good and share what you have”. Most
likely this encouragement flows from the prime example of Jesus and His
apostles as related in Mark’s Gospel [Mark 6:30-34]. The apostles gathered with Jesus to report on
their tireless activities in sharing the Good News, and Jesus invited them to
go to a deserted place and rest a while…a welcome respite for any busy,
hardworking person! Off in a boat, to a
deserted place, a mini retreat…Love yourself!
Eager for
healing and the message of mercy and love being offered by Jesus, the crowds
continued to pursue them – so much so that their needed rest and apostolic
debriefing was put on hold while Jesus’ heart was moved, and He reached out in
love for those in need. These “sheep
without a shepherd” were loved…Love your neighbor!
In our 21st
Century world we’re often overwhelmed with vivid stories of mistrust, violence,
greed, poverty, discrimination, exclusion – you name it. The rested, more contemplative spirit
encouraged by Jesus helps provide a new and necessary perspective on our
Christian faith meeting the needs of today’s world. The Great Commandment is today’s rally cry,
helping us provide a prophetic outreach to our needy brothers and sisters –
with the supreme example provided by Jesus Crucified.
Take a few
moments; step aside from the hoopla and hype of Super Bowl prep, the warm
fuzzies of the upcoming Valentine’s Day, the cold and frosty weather of the
Northern Hemisphere. Join Jesus for a
few special moments of peace and perspective in some “out of the way place”. And, let these moments be a welcome breather,
a life-giver – we need God’s love that is offered to us all. Find comfort in those reassuring words: “The
Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want…He refreshes my soul…He
guides me in right paths.” [Psalms 23:1-6]
My
generous Lord, You gave of Yourself without reserve. People came to You in
their need, and You did not hesitate to serve them out of love. Give me a heart
that imitates Your generosity and help me to always say “Yes” to the charitable
work to which I am called. May I learn to find great joy in serving others,
especially in those unplanned and unexpected circumstances of life. Jesus, I
trust in You.
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