Introduction
Every day, people ask a lot of casual questions—things like “How are you?” or “What do you want for dinner?” While these questions aren’t always significant, some questions in life are incredibly important, like “Will you marry me?” or “What did the medical check up say?” These are life-changing.
Text
In the Bible passage from Mark, Jesus is speaking to a scribe, a religious expert who knows the scriptures well. The scribe is curious and genuinely wants to know what Jesus thinks is the most important commandment. Jesus answers with two key points that sum up all of God’s Law:
- Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Love your neighbors as yourself.
Jesus tells us that loving God is our first priority, and loving others comes right after.
Malady
If we could perfectly love God and our neighbors, we would never break any of God’s laws. But we all know we struggle to love God with our whole being. Too often, we put ourselves first, and God ends up second. Similarly, if we could truly love our neighbors as ourselves, we’d never lie, steal, or hold grudges. Yet, in reality, we fall short in both our actions and our thoughts.
Gospel
The good news is that Jesus came to do what we can’t. He fulfilled God’s law perfectly, loving God and others completely. In just a few days from this conversation, Jesus would lay down His life for all of us—His neighbors. He loves each of us individually and came to bring us closer to God.
Reflection
After answering the scribe, Jesus asks a question: “How can the Christ be both David’s descendant and his Lord?” The scribes knew the Messiah would come from David’s lineage. But Jesus quotes Psalm 110, where David calls the Messiah “Lord,” showing the Messiah is greater than David. Jesus is pointing out that the Messiah is both human and divine. He is David’s descendant but also David’s Lord.
Conclusion
Jesus, both human and divine, is the one who has power over all things, including life and death. He is the one who reigns at God’s right hand, caring for us. Through Jesus, we see God’s love and the answer to our biggest questions about life and purpose.
Amen.