Love God and Love your neighbour

Gospel

Mark 12:28-34

'You are not far from the kingdom of God'

One of the scribes came up to Jesus and put a question to him, ‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ Jesus replied, ‘This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must 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 must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ The scribe said to him, ‘Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true: that he is one and there is no other. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any holocaust or sacrifice.’ Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And after that no one dared to question him any more.

Reflection

In the scribe’s wise words, the heart of the law is revealed: love God with all that we are, and love our neighbor as ourselves. When we anchor our daily choices in this double love, ritual becomes a rhythm that flows from relationship rather than obligation. The crowd may hesitate, but Jesus affirms that fidelity of love—wholehearted devotion to God and generous love to others—brings us closer to the kingdom.

Reflection Question

How might I love God more completely this week by loving my neighbor in a concrete, everyday way?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, open my heart to love You with my whole being and to extend that love to those around me. Grant me eyes to see neighborly needs, courage to act, and a softened heart that reflects Your mercy. May my life draw others toward Your kingdom. Amen.

Comments

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