Love for God Love for Neighbor

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: Jeremiah 31:7-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Reading II: Hebrews 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

The Scribe had an honest and a friendly question to Jesus. He just wanted to know which was the all-important commandment. And Jesus provided a simple and clear answer that can serve as a reliable rule of life. The Gospel story indicates there is no conflict between the Old Testament and the New Testament, between the law of Moses and the law of Jesus. The Scribe and Jesus are in full agreement on what really matters for people who are believers. Jesus does not belittle the old law; He only shows what is fundamental in understanding and practicing that law. The Scribe fully agrees with that presentation as he responded, “well spoken, Master.” Jesus tells him there is nothing blocking his entry into the kingdom, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” They parted as friends.
Scribes were very devoted and sincere in their religious beliefs and practices. Jesus tells them nothing new for his new commandment, the first, “…You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” and the second, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” are found in the Torah. He only calls their and our attention to the fact that no law or tradition can have the final say. We always have to follow the basic direction of love for God and neighbor.
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