Readings: Deut. 6:2-6, Heb. 7:23-28, and Mk. 12:28-34.
“True Love is worth More than all Burnt-Offerings and Sacrifices.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
1. The first days in the Major Seminary were very striking as we all arrived ready to pursue formation into the Sacred Priesthood. One of the most striking events was the Rector’s opening conference. Among other things, he told us: “… you must do everything here at best. There must be no mediocrity. You must put in all your efforts in studies, in manual labor, in sporting activities, in your prayer life and in all other areas that may come up. Only the best is expected of you, if anything less, we will not hesitate to terminate your formation process.” It follows that only the best was expected from all that we could be or do, nothing less. This holds similar with the demands from the gospel text this morning. “…You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength… You will love your neighbor as yourself.”
2. This flows from the first reading in which case we are told: “Fear the Lord, your God, and keep, throughout the days of your lives, all his statutes and commandments which I enjoin on you, and thus have long life.” Fear of God may sound like an invitation to “be afraid” of God, but it is not so. Fear of God implies the experience and knowledge of God as utterly holy, totally other, incomprehensible, absolute, almighty, all-powerful, all-knowing and majestic. This experience leads to a deep consolation and love for God and neighbor, resulting in deep praise, worship and adoration of God which themselves become grace-filled moments of joyful life with God here on earth. The fear of God is then both an action, say in worship, and some knowledge about God. Fear of God is therefore placing oneself in his presence in an attitude of total self-giving, trust and acceptance of his will. ‘Fright’ has no place here then.
3. Yahweh our God is one, and he alone ought to be worshipped. Today as it was in the earlier days, the most dangerous temptation for God’s people is not Atheism but idolatry – the worship of false gods. This is prostrating and paying homage to idols that will turn us to slaves and thus make us sad. Such include Money, Beauty, Music, Wine, Food, Sex ... all these in themselves are good but if they become our soul goal in life then they lead us to ruin. You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and no other, human or material. Love for God is not shown by words, solemn rites, beautiful songs ... but by accepting the plan that God has revealed to us in Jesus Christ. The only thing he so much desires is salvation and happiness for all people. Seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness and these other things shall be handed over to you. The sacrifice Christians offer consists in giving up one’s life, a living sacrifice, for the brothers and sisters, just as Christ did. (Rom 12:1).
4. Love moves us to action. We cannot claim to love and do nothing. Authentic love, real love, is an experience of all of our beings. We love with our mind, body, and heart. Love cannot contain itself; it expresses itself. When we truly love God with everything we have, it spills over into the love of our neighbor. We cannot profess a love of Christ and then ignore those around us. Love moves us into action. It moves us closer to the Kingdom of God. In the words of the Scribe, it is “worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” No matter what worship we give to God, it is empty if it is not total love for him overflowing into actions of service for others. Love of God and love of neighbor cannot be separated in real life because they are a manifestation of the same love. To love God is essentially to accept his gifts, to share his plans for his people, to become instruments of his love. To assimilate the thoughts of God, we must, of course, keep close to him in prayer and the meditation of his word; and in particular we must be united to the risen Christ who on the day of the Lord is present among us in the community that gathers together to celebrate the Eucharist. One lives one’s life and comes close to God only when one loves. May God instill in us the genuine spirit of love of him and love of neighbor.
To God be the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Anthony D. Lawir,
Pastor, St. Agnes and Our Lady of Snows Parishes.