Primero Dios

“Primero Dios!” It’s a popular expression among Hispanic Catholics that means, “God first!” In the countless decisions we face on a daily basis, this expression gives focus to the great commandment given by Jesus, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.” It requires great trust that if we put God first in our lives, seeking God’s will above our own, we will find ourselves truly living a blessed life.

But to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength can only be possible if we know, deep down, that we are loved by God who has our best interest at heart.

If we know this, with constant reminders of course, we can fulfill the second part of the commandment, “to love your neighbor as yourself.”

—Fr. Dan Reim, SJ, is campus chaplain at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland, OH.