This week’s gospel reading comes from Mark chapter 12, verses 28-34. In it, Christ makes clear that there are two commandments that stand out above all others. These are the types of declarations that we, as Christians, should pay special attention to:
Gospel Mark 12:28-34
One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and 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.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘”he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’-this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.
This is a foundational passage which, on its face, seems pretty clear: Love God with everything you have and love your neighbor as yourself. It does, however, beg the question: Who is my neighbor?
Click the video above to hear a short discussion on this topic, which hopefully will broaden our understanding of the depth and breadth of God’s love, and how we are to share it with those around us.
Have a great weekend! Go Blue!
The Pipe 