Thursday, 6 June 2024. Readings: 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Ps. 25:4-5,8-10,14, Mark 12:28-34
“When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’” (Mark 12:34)
Today, a scribe, probably exhausted over the various attempts to find fault with Jesus, came to inquire about the most important thing. In answering him, Jesus quoted the book of Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” Jesus quickly added Leviticus 19:18, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
- By combining these two verses, Jesus teaches us that our love for God is love for our neighbours. St. John would later explain further when he said: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20). Loving God demands that we see God in our fellow human beings not minding the colour of their skin or the language they speak.
- On hearing Jesus’ response, the Scribe added: “To love one’s neighbour as oneself is more important than burnt offerings and sacrifices.” This is exactly the point Jesus made when He noted: “If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”(Matthew 5:23-24).
- Jesus was so impressed with the Scribe’s response that He said: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” If we understand the importance of loving God in our neighbours, we will not be far from eternal life. On the Last Day, we shall be judged based on how we treated others, not on how big our tithes (and burnt offerings) were. “Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me.” (Matthew 25:34-36).
- As simple as it sounds, loving our neighbours as ourselves is a sacrifice. When we love others, they respond with hatred. They take advantage of us when we are kind, sincere and open. When we let our light shine, they respond with cruelty. Why does the world hate good people? The book of Sirach says: “My son if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal.” (Sirach 2:1). In today’s first reading, St. Paul writes about his ordeals – how he had to endure suffering and wear chains like a criminal because he chose to spread the Good News. If you expect people to appreciate you for living a righteous life, love you for loving them, or even reciprocate your kindness, you are wasting time. Whatever good you do for others, know that you do it for God.
- Regardless of how badly the world treats you, never give up on God. No matter how much suffering may come your way for the sake of loving God and your neighbours, let these words of St. Paul become your mantra: “If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we endure, we shall also reign with him… if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:11-13). St. James adds: “Count it all joy, my brethren when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach me to see and love you in my neighbours. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God's abundant blessings be upon us all. (Thursday of week 9 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Ps. 25:4-5,8-10,14, Mark 12:28-34).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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