“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”
Daily Spiritual Reflections
3rd June 2021
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THURSDAY, NINTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of St Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs
Tob 6:10-12, 7:1,9-12,15-16, 8:1, 4-9; Ps 128:1-5; Mk 12:28-34
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THE LAW MUST BE BUILT ON LOVE
Jesus states that the only law that matters is love which is God and neighbour centered. Now, this was a hard for the Jews to digest, for there were hundreds of ancient commandments in the Torah, outlining how they were to live. They included a myriad of rules for worship, prayer, temple services, fasting, cleanliness, and sacrifice of animals. So, Jesus’ answer to the scribe’s question of which was the most important among them, must have surprised those gathered there – Love God and love your neighbour. In fact, they were so astonished, “no one dared to ask him any more questions.”
What does this commandment entail? God must be loved “with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” And, “love your neighbour as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Yet, how much of our hearts are free to love as expansively as this? More often than not, we are unable to love with all of our heart and soul because they are preoccupied. Our minds are filled with racing thoughts, our hearts distracted by family matters, our souls are burdened by the multiplication of spiritual activities.
Charity is the very essence of the Christian life. The act of worship is not acceptable to God if the worshipper has no charity towards his brother and sister. We must get reconciled with our fellow men and women, before we dare to keep peace with the Lord. Jesus wants us to foster practical and persistent goodwill towards all men. We must care for others, seeking their good.
Christianity teaches us to care. Caring is God’s way. The precept of charity is at the core of Jesus’ doctrine of the divine life. The disciples of Jesus are to be as complete in their love as God is, who sends his sun and rain on the good and the bad alike. Let us pray that the Holy Eucharist that we celebrate creates in us an understanding of what Christian love truly is.
Response: Blessed are all who fear the Lord.
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