Love the Lord your God

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. 

(Mark 12:29-30)

The most important commandment, according to Jesus, is to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength. The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. These commandments are tied together and fulfilling them is a way to show our faithfulness to God. 

It is now our time to do good and open our eyes to see. We must commit to love our neighbors by giving our help when they are in need. It is in giving charity to those who need most. 

We should approach our faith and spiritual growth with sincerity and a genuine desire to learn. Let us have a genuine faith that seeks to please God rather than people.

In the heart's sacred chamber, a commandment is etched,

To love God with all our might, a bond that's never stretched.

With heart, soul, and strength, we strive to comply,

Under the watchful gaze of the Almighty in the sky.

The second greatest commandment, a mirror of the first,

To love our neighbor as ourselves, quenching their thirst.

These commandments, intertwined, a divine thread,

Show our faithfulness to God, on this path we tread.

Now is the time to open our eyes, to truly see,

To do good, to love our neighbors, to simply be.

In need or in plenty, in joy or in strife,

We commit to giving, such is the essence of life.

Charity, a gift, to those who need it most,

A testament of love, from coast to coast.

Approach faith with sincerity, let learning be your yearn,

For spiritual growth is a journey, at every twist and turn.

Let our faith be genuine, pleasing God above,

Not for show or vanity, but for unconditional love.

In the grand tapestry of life, let these words be our theme,

To love God and our neighbors, to live this dream.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You today, acknowledging Your commandments as the guiding light of our lives. You have taught us that the most important commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. We strive to fulfill this commandment each day, dedicating every moment to You.

You have also taught us that the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. We understand that these commandments are tied together and fulfilling them is a way to show our faithfulness to You. 

Lord, we pray for the strength and wisdom to do good in this world. Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us. Help us to love our neighbors sincerely, offering help when they are in need. Teach us the true meaning of charity and guide us to give generously to those who need it most.

We approach our faith and spiritual growth with sincerity and a genuine desire to learn. We yearn for Your wisdom and guidance as we navigate through life. Help us to grow in understanding and to deepen our relationship with You.

Above all, Lord, we seek to please You in all that we do. Let our faith be genuine and our actions be a reflection of Your love. Guide us in our journey and help us to live out Your commandments each day.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

Mark 12:28-34

Gospel Acclamation

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

Gospel | Mark 12:28-34

28 One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” 29 Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! 30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. 33 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.” 34 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.

Background:

The background of Mark 12:28-34 is quite rich and complex. This passage is set in the context of a series of conversations between Jesus and various sectarian leaders residing in Jerusalem. The scribe who initiates the discussion with Jesus in this passage is a learned representative of Judaism and takes a positive role in it.

The question the scribe asks, “Which commandment is the first of all?” is essentially the question, "What is essential to Jewish identity?". This question had been discussed by the Jewish community for a long time, but its importance was magnified with the destruction of the temple.

In response, Jesus combines Deuteronomy 6:4-5 with Leviticus 19:18, emphasizing that the God of Israel is alone sovereign of the world and that God acts with complete integrity. He also explains that love for the neighbor elucidates most clearly one’s love for God.

This passage reflects the ancient notion that identity is communal. To be was to be part of a specific group. The group was present in the individual; the individual represented the group. A primary question was, "Am I faithful to my community?". This situation was quite different from our North American emphasis on individuality and on finding oneself.

Mark wrote about 70 CE after the fall of Jerusalem. With the temple destroyed, many Jewish communities asked, "What does it mean now to be Jewish? What is the core of Jewish identity?". In today’s text, Mark offers an answer to the Markan congregation.

Learning Lessons:

Mark 12:28-34 provides several important lessons for us:

Love God and Love Your Neighbors (Verses 28-34)1: The most important commandment, according to Jesus, is to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength. The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. These commandments are tied together, and fulfilling them is a way to show our faithfulness to God.

The Messiah is Divine: Jesus, in his conversation with the scribe, also asserts his divinity, which is a central tenet of Christian faith.

Be Pleasers of God Rather Than Pleasers of People (Verses 38-44)1: Jesus warns against hypocrisy and performing religious acts for show. Instead, he encourages genuine faith that seeks to please God rather than people.

Community and Identity2: This passage reflects the ancient notion that identity is communal. To be part of a specific group means representing that group. A primary question was, "Am I faithful to my community?". This challenges us to consider how our actions and attitudes reflect on our Christian community.

The Importance of Sincerity in Questioning: The scribe in this passage appears to be sincerely seeking understanding, rather than trying to trap Jesus. This teaches us the value of approaching our faith and spiritual growth with sincerity and a genuine desire to learn.

The Value of Love Over Rituals: As suggested in Mark 12:28-34, it is now our time to do good and open our eyes to see. We must commit to love our neighbors as well. It is by giving your help when they are in need. It is in giving charity to those who need most.

These lessons encourage us to love God and others genuinely, to seek understanding sincerely, and to live out our faith in a way that honors God and benefits our community.  (Conversation with Copilot)

Published:

June 6, 2024, 7:40 AM

Love Your Enemies

Jesus said to his disciples: 

“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father. 

(Matthew 5:43-45)

Jesus teaches that love should not be limited to those who love us back, but extended to everyone, including our enemies. Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to respond to hostility with kindness and prayer. Loving our enemies is a way to imitate the unconditional love of God, who is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 

The call to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect is a call to mature in love and moral character, striving for a higher standard of righteousness. Let us examine how we treat others and to grow in love and compassion, reflecting God’s love in our lives.

Love knows no bounds, it reaches all, 

Even those who make us stumble and fall. 

Jesus taught us to love, not just in return, 

But to extend our hearts, let His love burn.

Not just to friends, but to foes alike, 

To respond with kindness, not with strike. 

Pray for those who bring hostility near, 

For in this way, God’s love becomes clear.

God’s love is perfect, to the wicked kind, 

To the ungrateful heart, His grace we find. 

We’re called to be perfect, as our Father above, 

To mature in love, in His righteousness move.

Let us examine how we treat each soul, 

To grow in compassion, to make us whole. 

Reflecting God’s love in all that we do, 

A testament of grace, forever true.

Lord Jesus, 

Teacher of love divine, Your command to love is a holy sign. Not limited to those who love us back, But extended to all, none do we lack.

Teach us to love our enemies too, To respond with kindness in all we do. Instead of revenge, let prayer be our call, Reflecting Your grace that covers all.

You show us the way of unconditional love, Kind to the ungrateful, Your mercy from above. Help us to strive for perfection in You, In love and moral character, make us true.

May we examine how we treat friend and foe, In love and compassion, let us grow. Reflecting Your love in our daily lives, Through Your grace and truth that never dies.

To be perfect as our heavenly Father is pure, A call to righteousness that will endure. Lord Jesus, guide us in this lifelong quest, To love like You, and in Your peace rest. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

LOVE OF ENEMIES

Matthew 5:43-48

Gospel Acclamation

I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. 

Gospel | Matthew 5:43-48

43 Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? 48 So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Background:

Matthew 5:43-48 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

 In these verses, Jesus challenges the common understanding of love limited to those who love us in return. He teaches that true righteousness involves loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. This teaching was revolutionary because it extended the concept of love beyond one’s immediate community to include all people, even those considered adversaries. Jesus emphasizes that this kind of love reflects the perfection and impartiality of God, who gives good things to all people regardless of their moral standing.

Learning Lessons:

Matthew 5:43-48 offers several key lessons:

Universal Love: Jesus teaches that love should not be limited to those who love us back, but extended to everyone, including our enemies.

Non-Retaliation: Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to respond to hostility with kindness and prayer.

Imitating God’s Love: Loving our enemies is a way to imitate the unconditional love of God, who is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Moral Perfection: The call to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect is a call to mature in love and moral character, striving for a higher standard of righteousness.

These teachings encourage us to examine how we treat others and challenge us to grow in love and compassion, reflecting God’s love in our lives.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

June 18, 2024, 6:28 AM

Love and Do Good

Love your enemies, 

do good to those 

who hate you.

(Luke 6:27)

God’s love is unconditional. Jesus calls us to love even those who oppose or harm us. True love extends beyond those who love us back. We should practice kindness and compassion towards everyone, including those who may not treat us well. Acts of kindness should be selfless, not motivated by the expectation of reciprocation. This cultivates a heart of genuine compassion.

When faced with conflict, it is better to choose to de-escalate and forgive rather than retaliate. This promotes peace and reconciliation. Our actions and words affect others. We should treat others as we would like to be treated and avoid judging others harshly. Reflecting God’s character in our lives requires us to be merciful and generous, use empathy in our interactions, strive to act with kindness and respect, and respond to aggression with peace and forgiveness, not revenge.

Let us live out our faith in practical ways, embodying the love, mercy, and generosity that Jesus exemplified. They encourage us to rise above natural inclinations towards retaliation and selfishness, aiming instead to reflect God’s kingdom values in our daily lives.

In the light of Jesus’ call, we stand, 

To live our faith with heart and hand. 

Embody love, mercy, and grace, 

Reflecting God’s kingdom in every place.

Rise above the urge to retaliate, 

Choose selflessness over selfish fate. 

Acts of kindness, pure and true, 

Not for reward, but because it’s due.

Consider how our words and deeds, 

Affect the hearts and meet the needs. 

With kindness, respect, and gentle care, 

In every action, everywhere.

When conflict comes, choose to forgive, 

In peace and love, let us live. 

True love extends beyond the known, 

To every heart, let kindness be shown.

Compassion for all, near and far, 

Reflecting God’s love, like a shining star. 

In every moment, let us strive, 

To keep Jesus’ teachings alive.

Lord Jesus,

Your teachings challenge us to live our faith in practical ways, to embody love, mercy, and generosity in all our days. Help us rise above our natural inclinations towards retaliation and selfishness, and instead, reflect Your kingdom values in our daily lives.

Guide us to perform acts of kindness selflessly, not motivated by the expectation of reciprocation, But out of pure love and devotion to You. May we engage in service and generosity without seeking recognition or reward.

Let us always consider how our actions and words affect others, striving to act with kindness and respect. When faced with conflict, grant us the strength to de-escalate and forgive, rather than retaliate.

Teach us that true love extends beyond those who love us back, and to practice kindness and compassion towards everyone, including those who may not treat us well.

In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Ministry in Galilee

LOVE OF ENEMIES / JUDGING OTHERS

Luke 6:27-36 / 37-42

Gospel Acclamation

I give you a new commandment, says the Lord: love one another as I have loved you. 

Gospel | Luke 6:27-38 

27 Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not with hold even your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. 35 But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. 38 Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

God Renews You In His Love

On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you. (Zephaniah 3:16-17)

The presence of God in our lives is a source of joy and celebration. 

No matter what we are going through, we can find joy in knowing that God is with us. No matter what mistakes we have made, God is always ready to forgive us if we repent and turn back to Him. 

God’s love and mercy is not based on our worthiness but on His grace. God can restore and renew us, no matter how far we have fallen.  God is in control and will fight for us. In Him, we shall live in peace and security. 

Let us trust in God’s promises of a hopeful future in our faith journey.

In the presence of God, 

we find our celebration,

A source of joy, 

a divine jubilation.

Through storms and trials, 

through loss and gain,

In His comforting presence, 

we remain.

No matter the errors, 

the mistakes we've made,

In His mercy, 

our debts have been paid.

With repentance and humility, 

we turn back to Him,

In His boundless love, 

our lights never dim.

Not by our worth, 

but by His grace,

We are saved, 

we are embraced.

From the depths of despair, 

from the fall,

He restores, 

He renews us all.

God, our warrior, 

our guiding light,

In control, 

in His might.

He fights for us, 

in battles unseen,

In Him, we find 

peace serene.

In His promise, 

we find our security,

In His presence, 

our surety.

Trust in His word, 

in His love so pure,

In our faith journey, 

He is our cure.

A hopeful future, 

His promise we hold,

In His love, 

our story unfolds.

In our journey of faith, 

let it be,

A testament of His love, 

for all to see.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude. We acknowledge the presence of You in our lives as a source of joy and celebration. No matter what we are going through, we find joy in knowing that You are with us.

We confess our mistakes, our shortcomings, and our sins. We know that we have fallen short, but we also know that You are always ready to forgive us if we repent and turn back to You. Your love and mercy is not based on our worthiness but on Your grace.

We thank You for Your promise of restoration and renewal. No matter how far we have fallen, we trust that You can restore and renew us. We take comfort in knowing that You are in control and will fight for us.

In You, we find our peace and security. We trust in Your promises of a hopeful future. As we continue on our faith journey, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom. Help us to trust in You more, to rely on Your strength, and to live according to Your will.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

Book of Zephaniah

REPROACH AND PROMISE FOR JERUSALEM

Zephaniah 3:1-20

First Reading | Zephaniah 3:14-18 (or Romans 12:9-16)

14 Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. 16 On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! 17 The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, He will sing joyfully because of you, 18 as one sings at festivals. 

Background:

The book of Zephaniah is set in the reign of King Josiah (640-609 BCE), Israel’s reforming monarch. Zephaniah prophesied during this time, before the Babylonian exile. However, the passage Zephaniah 3:14-18 may have been added after the exile.

The context of Zephaniah’s prophecies was one of impending judgment for the sins of Israel and, specifically, the priesthood. The majority of the book announces cosmic destruction as divine judgment. The arrival of the Day of the Lord, as envisioned by the prophet, represented a calling to account that demanded repentance and humility before God’s mighty judgment.

However, Zephaniah 3:14-18 marks a dramatic shift in tone. Instead of judgment, the arrival of God’s presence brings celebration and cause for joy. The passage speaks of God’s forgiveness of Israel’s iniquities, which are detailed earlier in the book–syncretism, complacency, corrupt leaders, and injustice. Not only is “daughter Zion” forgiven, but the LORD himself is with her.

The passage begins with an exhortation to joy: “Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!” (3:14)1. The reason for this joy is that the LORD has issued a pardon and commuted Israel’s sentence. The judgments against Judah and Jerusalem are turned aside, and the nation (or at least a remnant thereof) is set free.

In this passage, God is portrayed as a pardoning judge, king, savior, warrior, and shepherd. The image of God shifts from one who brings judgment to one who brings salvation. The relationship between God and Israel is restored, and the love between them is renewed.

Whether the passage is exilic or pre-exilic, the message is clear: God is for Israel. This passage is a triumphant restoration for God’s people because of His love. It is a grand reversal as the expected judgment instead becomes overwhelming mercy that leads to new life.

Learning Lessons:

Zephaniah 3:14-18 offers several valuable lessons for our spiritual journey:

Joy in God’s Presence: The passage begins with a call to rejoice. This teaches us that the presence of God in our lives is a source of joy and celebration. No matter what we are going through, we can find joy in knowing that God is with us.

God’s Forgiveness: The passage speaks of God’s forgiveness. This reminds us that no matter what mistakes we have made, God is always ready to forgive us if we repent and turn back to Him.

God’s Love and Mercy: The passage portrays God as a loving and merciful God. This teaches us about the nature of God’s love and mercy, which is not based on our worthiness but on His grace.

Restoration and Renewal: The passage speaks of restoration and renewal. This teaches us that God can restore and renew us, no matter how far we have fallen.

God’s Sovereignty: The passage portrays God as a king and a warrior. This reminds us of God’s sovereignty and power. It assures us that God is in control and will fight for us.

Hope for the Future: The passage speaks of a future where God’s people will live in peace and security. This gives us hope for the future and encourages us to trust in God’s promises.

In summary, Zephaniah 3:14-18 teaches us about the joy of God’s presence, the assurance of His forgiveness, the depth of His love and mercy, the hope of restoration and renewal, the comfort of His sovereignty, and the promise of a hopeful future. These lessons can guide us in our faith journey, providing comfort, encouragement, and direction. (Conversation with Copilot)

Published:

May 31, 2024, 3:50 AM

LIVE IN LOVE

Be imitators of God, 
as beloved children, 

and live in love, 
as Christ loved us

and handed himself over for us 

as a sacrificial offering to God 

for a fragrant aroma. 

Ephesians 5:1-2

God is Love, to live in love is to live in God.

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. 8 Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.

9 In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only begotten Son into the world so that we might have life through him. 10 In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. - 1 John 4:7-10

God is Love, to remain in love is to remain in God.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.

13 This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us of his Spirit. 14 Moreover, we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son as savior of the world. 15 Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him and he in God. 16 We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. - 1 John 4:11-16


Live to Love

Much of the research in social psychology dealing with the concept of love has focused over the last fifty years on why we love and what causes love.

Researchers have identified causes such as spatial proximity or the mere exposure to others. We react with love to personal qualities such as kindness, intelligence, humor; signs of resources or status ; physical attractiveness (including youth and health indices like WHR); similarity of values and attitudes, in demographic characteristics such as age or in religious background.

Sometimes we love someone simply because they love us; because of reciprocal liking, where there is an awareness that the other is in love with us. Barrier effects can cause people to feel more deeply in love when their relationship must remain secret or is thwarted by family or friends. Our readiness to fall in love, our physiological arousal at time of meeting a partner, together with our attributing the arousal to our partner's presence, all contribute to cause love.

So many reasons we love, yet what of the consequences. One may even ask whether science has not over emphasized the causes of love, to the detriment of its consequences. Even among those reasons invoked when love alights, few have anything to do with the reality of love itself. If, for example, we surround ourselves with people who resemble us, it is not because they deserve more love than others but simply because they are the people that we most often encounter. If we fall in love with people who themselves appreciate us, it is because we do not like to take the risk of one-sided love. If our love deepens and grows when we feel it is threatened, it is by reactance, to preserve our threatened liberty.

I recently underlined (Journal for the Theory of Social Behavior, 2011: "Love or the black sun of personal relationships") that love merits an analysis of its consequences. To understand the consequences of love is the only way to uncover the real reason for its appearance.

It may involve renewed vitality, as suggested by epidemiological studies that have demonstrated the relationship between social support and health. Love can cause a positive mood. It can maintain an optimistic view of life in the fight against discouragement. It can make us generous, hence the importance of being loved. It can make us courageous, distract us, and perhaps even bring out the genius in us. Love gives meaning to life.

Marcel Proust observed that what is important in life is not who you love ..., but that you have loved). It may be for this reason that many people, in spite of the trials and tribulations that life brings (separations, divorces, loss of a loved one, conflicts), tend to replace lost love as quickly as possible with new love. Despite the risks, we seem to believe that it is not possible to live without love. And so we forget, like Proust, that who we love is not without importance, if we, one day, come to resemble them having lived under their influence. By Lubomir Lamy Ph.D., Psychology Today

Published:

August 12, 2018, 9:54 AM

Love of God and Neighbor

 He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, 

with all your heart, with all your being, 

with all your strength, and with all your mind, 

and your neighbor as yourself.” 

(Luke 10:27)

All that you say and do must always be grounded for the love of God and neighbor. The richness of God's grace and glory comes out of His love for you which you too must emulate. Whatever you do to the least, the lost, and the last, you did for Jesus. 

Love manifests uniquely in different types of relationships, each bringing its own beauty and challenges. Here are a few ways love can be expressed:

Love for God. Our love for God is foundational and influences all other forms of love. Deuteronomy 6:5 encourages us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Love for Neighbors. This love extends beyond our immediate circles to include kindness and compassion for others. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31).

Self-Love. Healthy self-love is about recognizing our worth and taking care of ourselves. It’s not selfish but necessary to love others well. Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Family Love. Family love is often our first experience of love. It’s about support, care, and unconditional acceptance. Ephesians 6:1-4 emphasizes the importance of honoring and nurturing family bonds.

Friendship Love. Friendship love is characterized by mutual respect, trust, and shared experiences. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

Romantic Love. Romantic love involves deep affection, commitment, and intimacy. Song of Solomon beautifully illustrates the passion and devotion found in romantic relationships.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul beautifully describes the nature of love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Love has the power to heal, unite, and inspire us to be our best selves. When we let love guide our actions, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion in the world. As it is written in 1 John 4:7-8: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Understanding is such a crucial aspect of love. When we strive to understand others, we open our hearts to their experiences, struggles, and joys, fostering deeper connections and empathy. Jesus exemplified this understanding love in His interactions with people from all walks of life. He listened, showed compassion, and met them where they were.

In the quiet dawn, His love does rise,

A beacon bright in morning skies.

With every breath, His grace we find,

A love so pure, so kind, so blind.

He whispers through the rustling leaves,

In every heart that truly believes.

His love, a river, deep and wide,

Flows through our souls, a constant guide.

To love our neighbor as our own,

In this, His greatest love is shown.

A hand to hold, a heart to share,

In every act, His love is there.

For in each smile and gentle deed,

We plant His love, a precious seed.

And as it grows, the world will see,

The boundless love of God in thee.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your divine presence in our lives. Your love, O Lord, is the foundation upon which we stand, a love so vast and unending that it encompasses all creation.

Teach us, Lord, to love as You love. Help us to see Your face in every person we meet, to extend our hands in kindness, and to open our hearts in compassion. May we love our neighbors as ourselves, reflecting Your grace and mercy in all our actions.

Grant us the strength to forgive, the courage to serve, and the wisdom to understand. Let Your love flow through us, breaking down barriers and building bridges of peace and unity.

In moments of doubt, remind us of Your unwavering love. In times of struggle, be our guiding light. And in all things, may we glorify Your name by living out the commandment to love one another as You have loved us.

We ask this in Your holy name, Lord Jesus.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT / 

THE PARABALE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

Luke 10:25-28 / 29-37

Gospel Acclamation 

I give you a new commandment: love one another as I loved you.

Gospel | Luke 10:25-37

25 There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” 27 He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 32 Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 33 But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. 34 He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ 36 Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” 37 He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Love the Lord Your God

 “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart 

and with all your soul and with all your strength."

DEUTERONOMY 6:5 ; MARK 12:30 ; 

MATTHEW 22:37 ; LUKE 10:27

Love means a strong feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection; a profoundly tender, passionate affection. First recorded before 900; Middle English noun love, louve, luve, Old English lufu, cognate with Old Frisian luve, Old High German luba, Gothic lubō; verb derived from the noun; akin to Latin libēre (earlier lubēre ) “to be pleasing,” (Dictionary.com)

I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, so that you may live and become numerous, and that the LORD your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to take possession of it (Dt 30:16).

Moreover, the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the hearts of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul, so that you may live (Dt 30:6).

If you carefully follow all of this commandment which I am commanding you today, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in His ways always—then you shall add three more cities for yourself, besides these three (Dt 19:9).

Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest.  Bind them at your wrist as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. (Dt 6:6-9)

I love You, O Lord, my strength, O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer. My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold! (Ps 18:2-3)

Published:

March 08, 2024, 7:25 AM

August 07, 2023

July 23, 2023, 6:26 AM