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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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Deuteronomy 6:2-6 Psalm 17 Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 12: 28-34
Today we focus on the most important commandments. Our first reading contains what is known in Hebrew as the Sh'ma the first word of the prayer," Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord…" This is the most important prayer in the Jewish tradition and is recited by Jews every day as a reminder to love the Lord with all ones heart and soul and strength. Keeping the commandment is linked with the promises and blessings made to Abraham.
One of the scribes, who were the interpreters of the law, asked Jesus," Which is the first of all the commandments?" It was a common debate in scholarly circles to encapsulate the whole of the law in one sentence or biblical verse. Jesus quoted the verse from the book of Deuteronomy and put it together with a verse from the book of Leviticus, "You must love your neighbour as yourself" (19:18), showing that love of God and love of ones' neighbour are for Jesus the most important commandments. He agreed with the scribe who said that they were even more important than temple offerings and sacrifice.
Let us reflect this week on the verses Jesus quoted. How can I love God with our heart and soul and strength? What does it mean to love my neighbour as myself? Pray with Psalm 17(18), "I love you, Lord, my strength".