Old Abbey tile photo Sept 2001

dragonfly at water's edge may 30, 2005

June 2, 2005

Love Mk 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus replied, "The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall 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 shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these." The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
The commandments of love are the core of faith. The simple message transcends all complex theory. A self totally devoted to love of God and neighbor is not far from the Kingdom. The scribe had asked Jesus which commandment was the first of all. This is a difficult question because they are all to be followed in faith. The answer of Jesus to love tells how to obey all the other commandments.

It is first to love God and second to love our neighbor. Jesus teaches how to live in faith and walk with God. It seems so simple. There are constant trials but with perserverance it is a good way of life. To live in love with God first in my life. There are situations that arise when to serve a person is not necessarily to serve God, so the lesson to serve God first can be used as a guide.

The reading for today from the Rule of St Benedict is about the fourth step of humility. This involves persistence in doing good acts and not walking away when injustices or trials occur. If I have the love of God and neighbor truly rooted in my heart, the trivial events of the day that may include being spoken to gruffly, being the focus of petty criticism and other sorts of simple typical acts will not sway me from my goal of the day for every day which is to live in love. In fact, to live as the refiner's pot of silver on the hot flame might serve to make me a clearer purer hearted person in the end. I do not welcome hardship, but I will not run away from it on the other hand either.

The truth of love shines through to all people. Whatever the intellect, knowledge, age or training that a person has there is a common sight that can discern if a person is acting toward them in love and truth. It is unspoken often but an undercurrent or foundation to all of our interactions. I pray today for the blessings of God in my acts of this new day.