Thirtieth Sunday of the Year: A:October 25, 2020

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

First Reading: Exodus 22: 21-27

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1: 5-10

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22: 34-40

   *First reading is from the book of Exodus. The Lord God instructs the people of Israel that there should not be any exploitation and discrimination of the weak and the marginalized in the community. The Lord God further warns them of the consequences of ignoring His instructions- even death if they do injustice to the weaker members of the community. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Thessalonians. Paul expresses his deep appreciation for the exemplary and praiseworthy behaviour of the Christian community at Thessalonica. They accepted the word of God in pain and affliction but they became great examples for all other Christian communities by serving the living and true God.

Love of God and love of neighbour.                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The two great commandments of God: love of God and love of neighbour are discussed in detail. These two commandments are inseparable as explained by Jesus to a lawyer. When we love God, it should naturally be seen in our daily lives through our love for our fellow humans. This message of Jesus is beautifully put by St. John, "Anyone who says , 'I love God' and hates his brother is a liar." (1 Jn.4: 20) Hence our love for others must flow from the divine fountain - that is God's love for us. We are enabled to love others because it was God who loved us first and made us capable of loving others. Through this teaching Jesus gives us the following messages: 1. We are asked not just to believe in God but to love God. 2. We are asked not just to respect our neighbour but to love our neighbour. Once our life is governed by love of God and of one another, all other laws become irrelevant.

"I wouldn't touch a leper for a thousand pounds, yet I willingly cure him for the love of God." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

"If we want to live a life of love of God, we must not fail in our love towards our neighbour". - St. Theresa of Child Jesus.

"I am just a little pencil in the hand of God sending a love letter to the world." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.