The Greatest Commandment
Hosea 14:2–10; Psalms 81; Gospel of Mark 12:28–34
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God,” because he understood that love is greater than sacrifices and offerings. Fasting, prayer, and sacrifices lose their meaning if they are not rooted in love.
How are we to love God?
Jesus calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. To love God with all our soul means to long for Him deeply, like the deer that thirsts for running streams (Ps. 42:1). It is a love that desires God above every other desire.
To love God with all our mind means that even our thoughts, decisions, and reasoning must be shaped by God. Our faith should influence how we think, judge, and act in the world.
This love must also flow outward toward others. Jesus says, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” True love for God is proven in how we treat people. As First Epistle of John teaches, anyone who claims to love God but hates a brother or sister deceives himself. Love begins with those we see.
Let Us Pray
Lord, pour your grace into our hearts, that we may turn away from selfish desires and live according to your commandment of love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
