THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT
First Reading: Exodus 22: 20-26
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 seriously warns them of the consequences of ignoring His instruction -punishments, 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 praise-worthy behaviour of the Christian community at Thessalonica. They have accepted the word of God in pain and in affliction. But they are great examples for all other Christian communities by always serving the living and true God.
The love of God and the love of one's neighbour Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The two great commandments of God: The love of God and the love of neighbour are discussed in detail. These two commandments are inseparable as explained by Jesus to a lawyer and all of us. When we love God, it should be seen in our daily lives through our love for our fellow humans. This message of Jesus is beautifully expressed by St. John in his letter. "Anyone who says 'I love God' and hates his brother is a liar". (1Jn. 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 is God who loves us first and make us capable of loving others. 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 merely to respect our neighbour but to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. Once our life is governed and guided by the love of God and the love of our neighbour, all other laws and precepts become unnecessary and 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
No comments:
Post a Comment