Mark 12: 28-34 (Friday, February 29, 2008)

The scribe in today’s gospel understood the basis of true Christianity. The two anchors of Christianity are: love of God and love of neighbor. These are worth more than any sacrifices. Jesus says this man is close to the kingdom of God because unlike many of the learned people of his time who placed so much emphasis on the rituals of the temple, he understood that, that relationship of love with God and neighbor is more important.

There is no other Christian Church that has as many devotions and rituals as the Catholic Church. We should not make the mistake of thinking these devotions and rituals are the basis of our Christianity. Our Christianity is rooted in what God has done in Jesus Christ – an act of love. Devotions and rituals do not make us Christians, but they however cement our relationship with Jesus. That relationship of love is primary and the devotions and rituals are secondary.

As we continue throughout this season of Lent to prepare ourselves to respond positively to the invitation Jesus Christ is offering us, let us ask ourselves one important question: Are we as loving to God and neighbor as we have been loved by Jesus?