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The Essence of the Gospel

– Friday Week 20 of Ordinary Time –

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment” [Matthew 22:37-38]

Jesus’ answer to the tricky question posed to him by a religious leader encapsulates the essence of the entire Gospel. Before God revealed himself to us through Christ, people knew God in a somewhat impersonal way. The arrival and life of Jesus allows us to know who God is and what God is: love.

Jesus calls for a complete and all-encompassing devotion to God. This love involves not only our emotions (heart), but our spiritual being (soul), and our intellect and understanding (mind). It’s not just a superficial affection, but a deep and sincere commitment that encompasses every aspect of our existence.

This primary commandment challenges us to examine the state of our relationship with God. Are we offering God our whole hearts, or are we holding back certain areas? Are we devoted to God in our thoughts and intellect, or do we sometimes compartmentalise our faith? Loving God with all our being requires ongoing self-reflection and a constant realignment of our priorities.

This commandment also highlights the centrality of worship in our lives. Worship is not just confined to mass; it’s a way of life. Loving God with all that we are involves seeking His will and finding joy and purpose in our relationship with Him.

The verses today remind us that love is not merely a sentiment: it’s a radical call to action. Action that transforms our attitudes, behaviours, and our interactions. Today, in our prayer, let’s invite God into an area of our lives that we have not done so before and let Him speak to you.

 

by Arnie Hurdoyal


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