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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Which is the first of all the commandments?

Which is the first of all the commandments?

Published Jun 5, 2024 04:08 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

Following the Pharisees, the Herodians, and the Sadducees, it is now the turn of a scribe (Greek grammateus) to ask Jesus which is the first (greatest) of all the commandments. Jesus quotes the Shema Israel (“Hear, O Israel!”) from Deuteronomy 6:4 and joins to it the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself from Leviticus 19:18. 

The scribe who has studied the Torah agrees with Jesus and comments that the love of God and neighbor is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. This is the stand of the prophets of Israel: the sacrificial system of worship is meaningless without the faithful love of the worshipper. The Lord declares, “It is loyalty that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hos 6:6). 

By his disposition, the scribe shows himself open to the proclamation of Jesus who tells him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God” (v 34). He has the openness to be a disciple of Jesus and work for the Kingdom. Mark has the series of questions posed to Jesus by the religious authorities in Jerusalem end in a more positive note.

First Reading • 2 Tm 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.

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 neighbor 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 neighbor 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.

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

 

 

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