THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Friday in the third week in Lent, 2021

Hos 14:1-9

Ps 81

Mark 12: 28-34

Love of God and neighbour

Dear friends in Christ, the word love, is often used in so many and varied ways. Love however, as St John tells us in his Gospel is another name for God. “God is Love…He who abides in love, abides in God and God in him.” This invites us therefore, to seek the true meaning of love. While human love may be divided into many parts, God’s love consists of, and is manifested in his mercy and compassion towards us. The peak of that love as we find it in the bible, is that, “God loved the world so much that he sent his Only Begotten Son to die for our sake.” If he loves us that much, can he deny us of any other thing?

Shortly before the fall of Samaria to the Assyrians in 722 BC, the country was in a state of decay, it rejected God and turned to the worship of pagan idols. Hosea was called by God to warn the people of the repercussions of their actions. He placed before them blessings, that could flow back to the nation, should they change their ways and return to God. God practically, through the prophet, provided the formula of repentance for the people, “Take away all iniquity; accept that which is good and we will render the fruits of our lips. Assyria shall not save us, we will not ride upon horses, and we will say no more, ‘Our God,’ to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy.” Where there is a true love of God, no one will follow the way of idols or call what he has acquired by his efforts his god. Modern society however, seems to drive God and people further apart. So many though claim one religion or the other, are far from practicing their beliefs.

This issue of love is also the subject of the Gospel of today (Mark 12:28-34). A scribe asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered him that the true love of God is the first—that means a worship that transcends just the visit to the worship centre and the recitation of prayers, to the religion of the heart and soul. True conviction is needed. The second is, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Before leaving his disciples, Jesus will take this second law higher, by asking that they love, the way he has loved them. In joining the two commandments here, Jesus is teaching us, that the love of neighbour is the only true expression, of the love of God. Where the love of neighbour is missing, the love of God ends on the level of a theory. If you love God and love your neighbour, you will not cheat anyone; you will not defraud the nation, you will care for the environment and the earth our common home. You will share what you have generously with those in need, you will be concerned about your community, your family and your nation. If you listen and take to heart these two commandments in one, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

Let us pray: Lord, fill us with love of you and our neighbour. Help us overcome our selfishness and generously give of ourselves and our talents in the service of the society and those around us. Amen.

+Remain blessed