06.06.2024 – St. Patrick Catholic Church, Largo, FL

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Love is what we are here for

2Timothy 2:8-15, Psalm 25, Mark 12:28-34

Sometimes, we may be tempted to ask ourselves why there is so much hate in a world that love is preached every day, in every corner, every nook and cranny. Why is there so much war, conflict, discrimination and intolerance in a world that many religions and philosophies preach love of God and Neighbour? Why is there so much gap between the rich and the poor, those who live in luxurious estates and those on the streets, those who feast sumptuously every day and those who aren’t sure of their next meal. Always my simple response to these questions is that if love haven’t been preached to this extent, the world could have been worst. Sometimes, we may feel that love has been so emphasized that it seems to have lost its value. Not at all. In the Popular Netflix Movie, Money Heist, Berlin one of the key protagonists confessed that “love is the only thing that makes living worthwhile.” Love can never be overemphasized. Love can never lose its meaning. Without love, the world cannot be habitable.  

In today’s gospel, a learned Jew comes to Jesus and asks, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” There were a lot of rules and regulations in their religion and he wanted to know which one came first. The answer went beyond the question. Jesus gave both the first and the second, to love God and to love our neighbour as ourselves. These two principles are inseparable. We cannot truly love God without loving our neighbour, and in loving our neighbour we are, at the same time, loving God. This is a summary of the whole commandments of God. Indeed, love of God and neighbour is superior to any form of sacrifice.

This first and greatest commandment is the basis of every norm of Christian conduct. Our love for God underlies all that we do, and our love for neighbours includes all, irrespective of their background or status. In fact, this commandment constitutes the essence of Christian life.

God’s Word is not chained, and His faithfulness is unwavering despite the limitations that often accompany the preachers of the Word. In today’s first reading, St. Paul speaks about the sufferings he endured for the Gospel and regards them as gains. Through our baptism, we are called to die with Christ and be brought to new life in the Spirit. Denying Christ leads to a voluntary separation, but even if we are unfaithful, God remains faithful, a constant source of reassurance and security in our lives.

The first reading encourages us to put aside worthless discussions and focus on our spiritual priorities. We are called to a completely different set of values in a world so marked by selfishness and lack of concern for others. The gospel that was preached to us is what we stand for. It is the path to life, truly the “good news” of God.

What does God require of us? Simply that we love as he loves! God is love and everything he does flows from his love for us. God loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding grace and kindness towards us. The love of God comes first and the love of neighbour is firmly grounded in the love of God. The more we know of God’s love and truth the more we love what he loves and reject what is hateful and contrary to his will.

With today’s Psalmist we pray: Teach us your ways, O Lord. Help us to love you above all things and our neighbours as ourselves… Amen.