The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."
In his inaugural address, known as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus assured his disciples, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill." By his works, teaching, spirit, and presence we saw what he meant. When he taught on the Sabbath -- which seemed like work to his opponents and is still regarded as work by many ministers -- he fulfilled the Law by loving his neighbor and his God.
While this doctrine makes perfect sense to everyone who hears it, we're often conflicted with its practice. "How should I use the next few hours, by loving my neighbor or my God?" "When I neglected prayer to spend time with my neighbor, was I loving God and being faithful to the Lord's principles?" "When I chose to attend Mass while I might have been mowing the old widow's lawn, was that where I was supposed to be?"
The two principles of love for God and love for neighbor might obviously and intuitively belong together, but it took the most extraordinary religious genius in history to notice it. And its practice is still challenging. And it's backed by innumerable Scripture passages. This link to Bible Hub gives an extensive list of a few.
Saint Luke, who wrote 27% of the New Testament, shows us Jesus practiced what he preached, and how the disciples obeyed his commandments. His two part series, which might be called The Acts of Jesus and the Acts of the Apostles. shows them praying intensely to the Holy Spirit, going where he directed them, speaking as he spoke through them, and doing as he commanded. And when the Spirit was silent, they waited in silence.
When they had accomplished whatever they should do, they said, "We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do." (Luke 17:10)
Impossible tasks are made easy by love; without love, even the simplest works are impossible.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.