Daily Reflection Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Today’s Gospel recounts a brief but profound interaction between Jesus and a scribe who asks him about the greatest commandment. Jesus responds by quoting the Shema, a fundamental prayer of Judaism, which emphasizes love and devotion to God.

Recognizing the wisdom in Jesus’ words, the scribe agrees with him. He acknowledges that loving God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength, as well as loving one’s neighbor as oneself, is more important than any burnt offerings or sacrifices.

The importance of love and devotion in our relationship with God is underlined. Jesus insists that our love for God should encompass every aspect of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We need to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to God and align our thoughts, actions, and affections with God’s desires.

Jesus also highlights the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves, emphasizing the significance of empathy, compassion, and selflessness. Our faith must extend beyond our own relationship with God and manifest itself in our treatment of others. Genuine love and care for our neighbors builds harmonious and just communities.

Jesus’ affirmation of the scribe’s understanding reveals that knowledge and theological understanding aren’t enough. It’s the heartfelt application of this understanding that matters. The scribe’s willingness to acknowledge the supremacy of love and his recognition of the limitations of mere ritualistic practices demonstrate the essence of genuine faith.

May our faith always be authentic.