November 3: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Today’s readings for the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time offer us profound insights into the very heart of our faith. They invite us to a deeper understanding of what it means to love God fully and, as an extension of that love, to love our neighbors as ourselves. These commandments are not merely instructions to follow but are the foundation upon which a life of faith is built.                                                

In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses urges the Israelites to observe God’s commandments, with the assurance that obedience will bring blessings of a long and fruitful life in a “land flowing with milk and honey.” This passage is known as the Shema, a prayer central to Jewish worship and identity, proclaiming that “The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” This declaration not only reaffirms monotheism but also emphasizes a commitment to love the Lord with all one’s heart, soul, and strength. Moses is urging the people to make this love for God the core of their lives, to integrate it into every fiber of their being. This passage reminds us that love for God isn’t simply a feeling or an occasional expression; it is a comprehensive commitment that directs and permeates every action and choice.                                                                

The commandment to love God fully is also complemented by today’s second reading from Hebrews, where we encounter the unique role of Christ as our eternal High Priest. Unlike the Levitical priests, who had to offer sacrifices continually, Jesus’ single, perfect sacrifice on the cross endures forever. Through His sacrifice, Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity, forever interceding on our behalf. This passage reassures us that our relationship with God is not based on endless human efforts to win divine favor but on the grace-filled action of Jesus, who embodies perfect love. He has made it possible for us to approach God confidently and calls us to model His self-giving love in our lives.

In the Gospel of Mark, we see a scribe approaching Jesus with a question about the greatest commandment. Jesus’ answer is simple yet profound: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength,” and He adds, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” By linking these two commandments, Jesus reveals that love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable. To love God wholeheartedly is to allow His love to flow through us, extending outward to others.                                                       

The scribe’s response, acknowledging that love for God and neighbor is “worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices,” is striking. He recognizes that authentic worship of God isn’t merely about ritual acts but about a heart transformed by love, manifesting in how we treat others. Jesus, seeing the depth of the scribe’s understanding, tells him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” This encounter challenges us to examine our own understanding of faith: Do we see it as a list of duties, or do we recognize it as a call to live out God’s love in every aspect of our lives?                                                                                 

As we reflect on these passages, we may find ourselves asking, “How can I grow in this kind of love?” The answer lies in the daily choices we make. Loving God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength means allowing our love for Him to inform our values, guide our decisions, and transform our attitudes. It’s about prioritizing time with God, seeking His will in our lives, and being attentive to His presence around us. And loving our neighbor as ourselves involves compassion, patience, forgiveness, and service. It’s about choosing to see others through God’s eyes and responding with mercy. These commandments invite us to a radical way of life. They ask us to transcend self-centeredness and to see our lives as part of a larger story—God’s story of love and redemption. In a world often divided by differences and self-interest, these commandments call us to unity and selflessness.                                                                                                   

Today, let us ask God to give us hearts that are open to His transforming love. May we strive to love Him with all that we are and to extend that love to those around us, bringing us closer to His kingdom. And in doing so, we fulfill not only the law but also the very purpose for which we were created: to love and to be loved by God.

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