16th March 2012 mark 12:28-34

The Greatest Commandment

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”. “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no commandment greater than these.”. “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.  To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”  When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Doesn't it sound easy.  Love the Lord your God with all heart and soul.  But do we really manage it? Do we really put God above everything else?  Even career aspirations? Financial security? Suddenly it's pretty challenging.

And as for loving your neighbour, well that might be easy if it literally meant your friendly next door neighbour, but it's more than that.  Can you love everyone you know and come across?

Jesus we attempt to follow your greatest commandment but we need your help.  Please help us.  Amen