Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Jesus was asked, “Which is the first of all the commandments.” He quoted the Old Testament confession of faith, called the Shema, “Here, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”
Jesus placed our love of God first among all the commandments. Perhaps that is why the first three of the Ten Commandments focuses on our relationship with God. After we have a right relationship with God, the second most important commandment comes into clear focus. Jesus said, “The second is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This focus on our relationship with our neighbor is found in the remaining seven of the Ten Commandments.
Jesus has distilled all of the religious laws found in Sacred Scripture down to these two — Love God above all things and love your neighbor as yourself.”
He said, “There is no other commandment greater than these.”
When we evaluate our lives, our decisions, our beliefs, our actions, our ideas, and ourselves it is a good practice to hold everything up to the light of these two great commandments and ask ourselves, “Is what I am doing and thinking loving God above all else and is it loving my neighbor as myself?” It is a good examination of conscience. One that I must always do myself.
Have a blessed week everyone.