Thomas Lima csc –
Readings: Ruth 1:1,3-6,14-16,22; Mt 22:34-40
Today’s gospel reminds us that love is the foundation of our Christian life. Jesus’ response to the question of the lawyer reveals that the commandments to love God and neighbour are inseparable. Our love of God must be sincere, not only in words but also in deeds.
All our love is too little to bestow upon him, therefore all the powers of the soul must be engaged for him and carried out toward him. To love our neighbour as ourselves, is the second great commandment.
There is a self-love which is corrupt, and the root of the greatest sins, and it must be put off and mortified; but there is a self-love which is the rule of the greatest duty: we must have a due concern for the welfare of our own souls and bodies. And we must love our neighbour as truly and sincerely as we love ourselves; in many cases we must deny ourselves for the good of others.
Today as we reflect on the theme of love, we pray for the spirit of love and unity in our world, countries and in our societies. That all may learn to love others as we love ourselves.