The Greatest Commandment
In today’s first reading Hos 14:2-10, we hear of God’s love for us. God will help us thrive when we turn to him asking forgiveness and recognizing his greatness. God’s generous love is expressed in several images about the beauty and majesty of nature.
In section 66 of Laudato Si, his encyclical on the environment, Pope Francis writes of "three fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbour and with the earth itself." In section 70, Pope Francis notes the importance of ”cultivat[ing]… a proper relationship with my neighbour.” Doing so is significant because in our interrelated nature, what any one of us does impacts all of us.
In the Gospel, we again hear of love. Jesus speaks of the greatest commandment: love of God and love of one's neighbors. The latter is known as the "Golden Rule." Jesus confirms that sincere regard for God and others, rather than rituals, matter. When we are guided by the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law, we are authentic and motivated by what matters.
In preparing this reflection, I found mention of a “silver rule” which at first glance seems very like the Golden Rule. There is an important distinction however; the silver rule simply proposes doing no harm, responding in a concern for reciprocity. The Golden Rule asks that we demonstrate love without expecting it in return.
How is it difficult to recognize others when there is so much to be attentive to?
Lector mandated as a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion, altar server, & member of the Faith Formation Commission
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