Sunday, November 3, 2024
“Love, and do what you like.” A simple message from St. Augustine of Hippo. It does not refer to a free card that validates anything we do. It does not describe love as a switch we turn on for a time and then turn off to behave as we wish. The love Augustine speaks of transcends mere emotion or sentiment; it is a transformative guiding force that profoundly influences every facet of our being. It connects us with God and to one another. It shapes our intentions, experiences, and interactions. It inspires deeper relationships and a sense of purpose. This love is rooted in compassion, empathy, self-sacrifice, and service.
Today, a scribe asks Jesus, which is the greatest commandment? We have gotten used to scribes asking Jesus questions with the intention of entrapping or tricking Him. They usually try to get Him in trouble with the authorities or the people. But the question in today’s Gospel seems to be genuine. Perhaps it was debated among scribes or religious Jews for generations! Or maybe it was because the Mosaic Law had 613 Mitzvot, commandments from God to be dutifully kept by the Jews. Jesus’ answers to questions He’s asked often combine direct responses, parables, invitations to follow Him, and deeper truths that reveal God’s will. His answer to the scribe included a direct quote from the Torah and a deeper understanding of its true meaning: “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 neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)
The world is filled with noise and distractions that constantly demand our attention. Have you tried to meditate or spend quiet time with God, only to have your mind drift? Are there times when you experience this during mass as well? “Hear, O Israel.” God first calls for our attention and then reveals His calling to love Him and our neighbor. He asks this of us in Deuteronomy and wants us to impart this truth to our children and grandchildren (Deuteronomy 6:1-2).
For believers, loving God comes easily; the love of some neighbors can take some work and prayer. These are not just two or the greatest two commandments we are called to obey; they are our identity. God is love; when faith transforms our hearts, love becomes who we are.
“Love, and do what thou wilt: whether thou hold thy peace, through love hold thy peace; whether thou cry out, through love cry out; whether thou correct, through love correct; whether thou spare, through love do thou spare: let the root of love be within, of this root can nothing spring but what is good.” (St. Augustine’s Easter homily, 407 A.D.)
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.