Bountiful Spirit - March 12, 2021
Mark 12:28–34
One of the scribes came near and heard Jesus and the Saducees disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and 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.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.
Reflection by Lou Matjesko
What immediately strikes me is how stark a difference there is in these commandments and the way of life in the world. In our own country and major centers of influence around the globe the focus has been on personal and national power. It seems the slope of morality continues on a downward trend.
We know Jesus is correct. Can each of us through our prayers and actions initiate positive change? Our faith in Jesus must inspire us to live these commandments. It is the exercise of our greatest power.
