By Martin MM csc –
Readings: 2Tim 2: 8-15; Mk 12:28-34
As I reflected upon today’s reading, I was reminded of the words of St. James 1:22 “be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.” Similarly the gospel links love and commandment. It reveals the truth that we cannot truly love God without loving our neighbours. In loving our neighbours we are at the same time loving God. Though they are two Commandments the primary one is loving God.
As loving Children of God we owe our life to God and so we should seek first the presence of God. If we really love God and give our time to be with him, it will surely overflow into love of others. My words and actions with other people will reflect God’s love for them. If I truly love God, it must also be expressed through my words, deeds and thoughts. To be the doers of the word of God, I must prepare myself to endure any kind of pain and suffering like St. Paul.
St. Paul invites us to be willing to die with Christ that we may live with Christ. The main purpose of reading the word of God is to do the holy will of God. Though at times we fail to be the doers of the word due to our human weakness, there is still hope. St. Paul said, if we are unfaithful, God still remains faithful. So let us seek the Lord to give us the grace to love him with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength and express that love to one another. In this way let us be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.