From today’s Scripture: “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 you neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.’”—Mk 12:32-33

I always find this passage interesting because the scribe only asks Jesus “Which is the first of all the commandments?” And yet, Jesus answers by clarifying two of the greatest commandments, not just one. Why would he do that? Why is the second commandment so important? The first commandment makes sense because it prioritizes one’s relationship with God, and growing in knowledge and commitment to God. As to why Jesus selected the second, I think we can find inspiration in how Jesus lived his own life.

Jesus was constantly reaching out to those who were forgotten and on the fringes of society. Even his own disciples critiqued him, at times, for how he would push the boundaries of ministry to attend to the needs of someone found to be unacceptable according to Jewish law. Since Jesus fulfilled the totality of the law, he also loved his neighbors as himself. Therefore, we can demonstrate our love for the Lord through how we love our neighbor.

Let us pray: Jesus, help me to love and minister to my neighbors just as you love and minister to me.

Today’s author is Julia Sauter, a member of Glenmary’s Development team. She holds a master’s degree in Ethics and Social Theory from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California.

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