One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,
“Which is the first of all the commandments?” 
Jesus replied, “The first is this:
Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!“

mark 12:28-29

Mark 12:28-34

Reflection

Jesus explains the two greatest commandments – to love God above all else, and second, to love your neighbor as yourself. While it is common to struggle with loving your neighbor (perhaps your spouse, a difficult coworker or relative, or your actual neighbor), how often do we reflect on how well we love God?

Jesus says we must love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Sometimes this seems difficult to accomplish. We may tell ourselves we love God, but do we act in a way that reflects such love? When going about your day, remember to reflect often on God’s love for you and his goodness. Thank him for your daily living, especially for the particular trials and sufferings of that day. Engage in frequent conversation with him, not just when you need help or want a prayer to be answered.

“The Lord our God is Lord alone” – are you making idols of other things, rather than solely worshipping God? We all fall into worshipping our phones, social media, TV shows, working out, food, sports, etc.

Today, rededicate yourself to loving and worshipping God in your fullest capacity. Ask Jesus for help in being more intentional with following this first commandment.

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Saint of the Day

St. Martin de Porres: 1579 – 1639

“Everything, even sweeping, scraping vegetables, weeding a garden and waiting on the sick could be a prayer, if it were offered to God.”

St. Martin de Porres