Friday of the Third Week of Lent
Today’s Gospel from Mark begins with the profound words of the Shema, the traditional prayer placed on the doorpost of every Jewish home: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Dt 6:5). Jesus cited this central text from Deuteronomy when asked by a scribe, “Which is the greatest of all commandments?” Jesus was deeply moved when the scribe expanded on this, saying that “to love your neighbor as yourself” [Lv 9:18] holds more value than any burnt offering or sacrifice. Jesus could see that the scribe grasped the true, inward meaning of the law. Indeed, we are called to adore the Lord with our entire being, but this devotion must extend to our brothers and sisters as well. Saint John provides further clarity: “We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother” (1 John 4:19-21).
This gospel redefines for us the meaning of sacrifice. We offer our most sincere praise to the Father when we show unconditional love to our neighbor. Christ himself modeled this for us; He poured out his life, thereby glorifying his Heavenly Father. We manifest our love for God through our charity toward one another. Let us, therefore, follow in the footsteps of Christ so that, like the scribe, we may hear Him say to us, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” (Mk 12:34).
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections