March 12, 2010 - Friday of the Third Week of Lent

Hos 14:2-10 * Ps 81 * Mk 12:28-34  

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered the Sadducees, asked [Jesus], "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.

 

NO CIGAR

I magine the surprise of the scribe when, after the flush of receiving the Lord's approval for his insight and expecting to be congratulated for hitting the nail on the head, he hears Jesus tell him that he is "not far" from God's reign. Not far? But when it comes to the kingdom, a miss is as good as a mile. It would be like saying you missed the bus by only a few seconds; or being a contestant on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and having Regis tell you your answer, "B," was close to the right answer, "C". It doesn't matter. You fell short and that puts an end to it. The scribe was close, but won no cigar. No wonder no one else had the courage to ask him any more questions. Perhaps the million-dollar answer that will get you on the bus as it pulls away is the awesome knowledge that God loves you with all God's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and your neighbor too!
Prayer: Almighty God, your love is the supreme greatness, for by your love you have made all things. From your love comes your law and by your love made flesh I am saved. Keep me always in the light of your love.
Action: Are you in the kingdom or not far from it? What can you do today that will bring you closer?

(Taken from Between Sundays by Paul Boudreau,, published by Paulines. Visit us at www.paulines.ph or at Paulines Media Centers.)

 

Sower’s Thought: "What leads the faithful to a practicing Christian life is precisely the virtue of those who teach it. What is needed is the flame of good example, not just words." - Blessed James Alberione, Founder of the Pauline Family