Ord.Wk 9th: Thursday 8th June, 2023 June 8, 2023

Reflection on the WORD

Greatest Commandments:  In today’s Gospel, the scribes agreed with Jesus that the first and the greatest Commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and then inseparable from this is; to love our neighbour through our deeds.  Ponder on: Do we separate these Commandments in the way we live daily?

9 Days Novena Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from Thursday 8th June to Friday 16th June 2023. Go to www.jesuit.org.sg/2023-sacred-heart

Day 1 – Thursday 8th June 2023 : Open Heart

Mark 12:28b-34a

One of the scribes came up to Jesus 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, only 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 burnt offering or sacrifice.’ Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ 

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • In today’s Gospel Jesus tells us that “loving God and neighbour” are God’s two central commandments for us to follow. Jesus wants us to love Him as He loves us. 
  • The more we know of God’s love and truth, the more we will love those He loves and reject what is contrary to His will.
  • Do you allow anything to keep you from the love of God and the   joy of serving others with a generous heart? Ask Jesus for the grace to love Him more wholeheartedly in words and deeds.