THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

April 01, 2011

 

D A I L Y G O S P E L

 

Love is the first of all the commandments. This tells us something of the nature of love – it is a choice. Yes, our emotions and feelings can be inspirations for our love but this does not necessarily have to be the case. We either choose to love God or someone else, or we do not. It does not matter what the situation might be; we are called to love all people at all times. Love is a free gift we offer to all men and women, and God as well!

 

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

Repent, says the Lord; the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.

 

Mark 12:28-34

28 One of the scribes, came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” 29 Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! 30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’ 33 And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.