Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 12:28b-34
Continuity, hope and love…three themes that jump out at me from today’s readings; especially from the first reading and the gospel, which are generally chosen to complement one another. The reading from Deuteronomy is key for establishing all three themes. Moses tells the Israelites, in no uncertain terms, that they are called to keep God’s statutes and commandments. By doing so they will grow and prosper and have long lives. Moses proclaims that the Lord alone is their God - who will care for them, not just in the present moment, but for the long term. Therefore, in both the best of times and the worst of times they are never to abandon hope.
In today’s Gospel, Mark does not beat around the bush. He goes right to Jesus’ quote, taken nearly word for word from the Deuteronomy passage, and writes that Jesus builds upon the Old Testament passage in order to emphasize that there is more that needs to be said about the virtue of love - especially love of self and love of neighbor.
True spiritual love of self is often misunderstood and/or under-rated in 21st century America. Some people think it is a sin of pridefulness. These are the people who have a difficult time seeing their own goodness and worth. Others think it means putting oneself above other people - believing they are more important than others. This second group can sometimes suffer from the psychological illness called narcissism. True spiritual self-love prompts us to recognize that we are all…each and every one of us…children of God, with marvelous abilities and a tremendous capacity for love. Yes, we sometimes sin, but that does not negate the fact that we are incredibly wonderful creatures of God.
A healthy love of self implies that we care for our bodies, our minds and our spirits - always keeping in mind that all we have been given as individuals and as inhabitants of this wonderful world - all of these things - are gifts from God, to be treasured and wisely stewarded.
I want to bring one additional point to your attention regarding this reading. At the conclusion of the conversation between Jesus and the scribe, we read the following words: “And when Jesus saw that he (the scribe) answered with understanding, he said to him: ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’” Some scholars interpret this remark from Jesus to mean that the scribe is on the right track, attempting to live a truly good and holy life. I agree with that interpretation; but there is something more to this remark: life is a journey, and Jesus is telling the scribe to appreciate the journey, and to use whatever is left of his life to continue to learn about, to worship, and to act upon the will of God. I believe these words from Jesus to the scribe are also meant for each of us. It is God’s desire that we continue to learn about, to deepen our relationship with and to act in ways that will bring us, and those with whom we associate, closer to our loving God.
by: Bill Miller
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