Today’s gospel reminds us of the great commandments. We must love God and love our neighbor. Though these can be seen as two separate ideas, I think they can be seen as complementary of each other. When we love those around us, we are in turn, loving God and God’s creation. We are all one in the Body of Christ. When we receive the Eucharist, it becomes part of us. So, in order to love God, we must love all those in the Body of Christ, as they too are one with God.
Let us remember in our everyday lives all those we encounter: they deserve our love, respect and understanding just as God loves us. Today’s gospel ends with Jesus affirming the scribe: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” May we always show the commandment of love by lifting up those around us just as Jesus did.
—Mark Ehrbar is Co-Director of Music at Gesu Church, University Heights, OH.