LOVE IS MORE THAN SACRIFICES
Introduction
Our text, the first reading, is a profession of faith and a liturgical hymn. The profession of faith is made because Gnosticism was creeping in.
As there were so many rules of the Law to observe, it is easy to understand the desire of scribes to ask which was the key commandment. That’s the Gospel of today. Twice a day pious Jews professed the “Hear, Israel,” with the love of God unique and very important. Jesus attaches to it love of neighbour too, as a total commitment that he will practice on the cross.
1 Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-15
Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my Gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen. Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.
Responsorial Psalm 25:4-5AB, 8-9, 10 AND 14
R. (4) Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my saviour. R.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
he teaches the humble his way. R.
All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy
toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,
and his covenant, for their instruction. R.
Alleluia 2 Timothy 1:10
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Our Saviour Jesus Christ has destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 12:28-34
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! 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. The second is this: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 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.
Commentary
The word of God is not chained, although its proponents often are. Paul today speaks of his suffering for the gospel and sees it as a definite gain. To be baptized is to die with Christ only to be brought to new life in the Spirit. To persevere with him is to reign with him eternally. To deny Christ brings about a voluntary alienation, but, even though we should be unfaithful, he remains ever faithful.
The epistle urges us to put worthless discussion behind us and to keep our spiritual priorities before our eyes. Our preaching is to be the unvarnished truth; it is after all the gospel of salvation.
It is the gospel of Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was raised from the dead. It is the same Jesus Christ who with his resurrection from the dead was constituted Son of God in power. It is he who gave his life for our salvation and who, as today’s Gospel indicates, asks for an unqualified and total love of God and to love our neighbour as ourselves.
In a world so marked by selfishness and lack of concern for the interest of God and others, we are called to a completely different set of values. This is the gospel that has been preached to us and in which we stand. It is the path to life, truly the “good news” of God.
Blessing
Indeed, to love one’s neighbour as oneself often demands sacrifices, and is therefore, worth more than ritual sacrifices. May God inspire such a commitment and bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!