Understand what it means to put love as my top priority

Good morning, happy Friday, and many blessings.

Our story (Mark 12:28-34) falls within a series of conversations between Jesus and various sectarian leaders residing in Jerusalem, which began in Mark 11:27. This was the final discussion initiated by one of these leaders, since “no one dared to ask him any question” after this encounter (cf. Mark 12:34).

The mention of a “dispute” (in 12:28) recalls the previous story, in which Jesus held a theological conversation with the Sadducees over the belief in the resurrection. The scribe of 12:28, apparently, shared Jesus’ position, so he must have been a scribe associated with the Pharisees (cf. Acts 23:7-8). Indeed, in Matthew’s parallel, the character was described as a lawyer from among the Pharisees (Matthew 22:34).

We shouldn’t be shocked that other Jewish leaders, besides Jesus, believed in the correlation between loving God and loving neighbor. In fact, this individual scribe, in a collectivist society, probably represented many Jewish leaders who appreciated Jesus’ teaching. We find hints elsewhere in the Gospel narratives (cf. Luke 7:3-5).

It is not always easy to love God emotionally, especially when life is difficult. It is important that I am not afraid to say that to God and be honest with God always. “We are God’s work of art”, as St. Paul tells us in Ephesians. It can be difficult for us to love our neighbor if we don’t love ourselves.

As we struggle with so many commitments and responsibilities, we too ask the same question as the scribe, ‘Which of the commandments is the first of all?’ What should be first in my list of priorities, what is my most important duty? Jesus’ reply is disarming in its simplicity, no wonder they did not dare ask him any further. I let his reply echo in my heart, asking for the grace to understand what it means to put love as my highest priority.

I also ask myself, in the presence of Jesus, what it means to love God with all my heart, all my soul and with all my mind and with all my strength. I ask for this single-mindedness, and for seeing all my life embraced in this commitment.

Can you remember a moment when you really grasped a truth about yourself, about God, a truth of the faith? Was there somebody else who helped you see this? Do you remember a really good teacher in school and a moment when that teacher really helped you grasp something?

What elements of my faith do I struggle with? Is the commandment to love really the priority for me? When I am struggling in my life what is my priority?

Blessings,

Fr. Luis+