Embracing Love: Sunday's Reading November 3, 2024
The Heart of the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
As we gather on this Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, the readings invite us to reflect deeply on the essence of love and its transformative power in our lives. The scriptures today guide us through a journey of understanding what it means to love God and our neighbors with all our heart, soul, and strength.
The Readings
First Reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Moses spoke to the people, saying:
"Fear the LORD, your God,
and keep, throughout the days of your lives,
all his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you,
and thus have long life.
Hear then, Israel, and be careful to observe them,
that you may grow and prosper the more,
in keeping with the promise of the LORD, the God of your fathers,
to give you a land flowing with milk and honey.
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!
Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God,
with all your heart,
and with all your soul,
and with all your strength.
Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today."
Moses speaks to the Israelites, urging them to fear the Lord and keep His commandments. This passage emphasizes the importance of loving God wholeheartedly. The promise of a prosperous life in a land flowing with milk and honey is tied to this devotion. The call to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength is a central theme, urging us to internalize these words and live by them.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
R. (2) I love you, Lord, my strength.
I love you, O LORD, my strength,
O LORD, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
My God, my rock of refuge,
my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!
Praised be the LORD, I exclaim,
and I am safe from my enemies.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
The LORD lives! And blessed be my rock!
Extolled be God my savior.
You who gave great victories to your king
and showed kindness to your anointed.
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
The psalmist expresses a deep, personal love for God, describing Him as a rock, fortress, and deliverer. This psalm is a song of gratitude and trust, acknowledging God's strength and protection. It reminds us of the safety and refuge we find in God's love.
Second Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28
Brothers and sisters:
The levitical priests were many
because they were prevented by death from remaining in office,
but Jesus, because he remains forever,
has a priesthood that does not pass away.
Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him,
since he lives forever to make intercession for them.
It was fitting that we should have such a high priest:
holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners,
higher than the heavens.
He has no need, as did the high priests,
to offer sacrifice day after day,
first for his own sins and then for those of the people;
he did that once for all when he offered himself.
For the law appoints men subject to weakness to be high priests,
but the word of the oath, which was taken after the law,
appoints a son,
who has been made perfect forever.
This passage contrasts the temporary priesthood of the Levites with the eternal priesthood of Jesus. Jesus, as the perfect high priest, offers a unique and everlasting intercession for us. His sacrifice, made once for all, underscores the depth of His love and commitment to our salvation.
Gospel: Mark 12:28b-34
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,
"Which is the first of all the commandments?"
Jesus replied, "The first is this:
Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
The second is this:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these."
The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher.
You are right in saying,
'He is One and there is no other than he.'
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."
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.
In the Gospel, a scribe asks Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus responds by highlighting two commandments: to love God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself. These commandments encapsulate the essence of the law and the prophets, emphasizing that love is the greatest offering we can make.
Commentary and Theme
The theme that emerges from these readings is the primacy of love in our relationship with God and others. Love is not merely an emotion but a commitment that encompasses our entire being. It is about aligning our actions, thoughts, and intentions with the divine will.
Jesus' response to the scribe in the Gospel is particularly profound. By linking the love of God with the love of neighbor, He shows that true devotion to God is inseparable from our interactions with others. This holistic approach to love challenges us to reflect on how we live out these commandments in our daily lives.
Applying the Theme to Our Lives
To apply this theme, we can start by examining our relationships. Are we loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength? This means prioritizing our spiritual life, seeking God's presence in prayer, and aligning our values with His teachings.
Loving our neighbor as ourselves calls us to empathy, compassion, and action. It means recognizing the dignity of every person and responding to their needs with kindness and generosity. In practical terms, this could involve volunteering, offering support to those in need, or simply being present and listening to others.
Ultimately, these readings remind us that love is the foundation of our faith. By embracing this love, we draw closer to God and each other, creating a community that reflects the kingdom of God on earth. As we go forth this week, let us strive to embody this love in all that we do, knowing that it is the greatest commandment and the path to true fulfillment.