Deuteronomy 30: 10-14
When you obey the Lord your God by observing his commandments and decrees that are written in this book of the law, because you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?” No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations
Just Do It!
Have you ever found yourself in a tough situation when you desperately needed help? Any of us would love to have some “good samaritan” come to our rescue. Our preconceptions about religion, race, or anything else would melt away as we experienced the support and assistance from whomever might stop to help.
St. Ignatius Loyola has a familiar maxim: “Love is shown more in deed than in words.” The urgency is to put our money where our mouth is…to do what Jesus says at the end of today’s parable – “Go and do likewise.”
Don’t just think about the possibilities; don’t organize a committee or formulate a strategic plan. Get out of your chair and respond to the need in front of you. Assist the person on your doorstep!
Today’s gospel message is short and sweet. “It is already in your mouth, on your lips, in your heart,” says Moses. “You have only to carry it out!”
What does all this say to my heart as this new week begins?
—The Jesuit Prayer Team
Prayer
Lord, give me the grace to labor with you
without seeking myself—
to live the Kingdom
in its full reality.
—John Futrell, SJ