Daily devotion – The greatest commandment – can it be seen?
In Mark 12:28-34, Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment. His response centers on love, encapsulating the essence of Christian living: first, to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and second, to love your neighbor as yourself. This teaching, rooted in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (the Shema) and Leviticus 19:18, reveals that love for God must be intertwined with love for others.
Jesus’ command reflects not just an obligation to obey rules but the call to nurture relationships. These relationships—whether with God, family, or fellow believers—are the cornerstone of a life of faith. True Christian love transcends mere ritual or religious obligation and is expressed through service, compassion, and commitment to others.
The challenge today, even within the Church, is selfishness and isolation. Many people attending Churches today keep their distance from others, avoiding meaningful relationships within their faith community. But Jesus set the example by embracing the marginalized, welcoming children, and always being present to help those in need.
The scribe in this passage begins with a question designed to test Jesus, but his honest response shows a heart stirred by truth. When Jesus says to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God,” He acknowledges the scribe’s willingness to seek truth beyond the superficiality of religious systems. It reminds us that proximity to the kingdom is found in a sincere quest for God’s heart, marked by a life of love for God and others.
Reflecting on this teaching, ask yourself: Does your love for God manifest in how you treat others? Are you following the example of Christ in reaching out and building relationships, or are you isolated within your own “sacred cocoon”? True faith is always seen in love that acts.