Sunday 3 November •Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Presence
“The world is charged with the grandeur of God.” (Gerard Manley Hopkins)
I dwell for a moment on the presence of God around me,
in every part of my body,
and deep within my being.
Freedom
I ask for the grace
to let go of my own concerns
and be open to what God is asking of me,
to let myself be guided and formed by my loving Creator.
Consciousness
Jesus, thank You for this moment where I am conscious of Your presence with me. Help me to be more and more aware of Your presence in my daily life, and in everyone I meet.
The Word of God
Mark 12:28-34 NRSVue28One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” 29Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; 33and ‘to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself’—this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.
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Inspiration
“Commandment” sounds negative and a “commandment to love” seems ambiguous. However, in looking to Jesus, whose life was one of love, a new understanding is offered. May we draw strength from him whose food was to do the will of the Father who sent him in love, to bring salvation.
Love is the heart of life. External actions find their true meaning when they come from that interior foundation. Lord, may we further your kingdom by living our relationships with you and with one another in love.
Conversation
“He looked at him and loved him”. (Mark 10:21). Can I allow myself to sit in the loving gaze of Jesus, Who loves me at all times and places, in all circumstances? God always looks at me with unconditional love.
Conclusion
I thank God for His gift of love
as I go forth with joy and hope
to serve His people.
Amen
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