You are not far from the kingdom of God

By asking the question, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” (v 28), the scribe does not feign ignorance of the Law; rather, he wants everyone to hear the very decisive declaration of Jesus, quoting the Shema prayer: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!” (Dt 6:4; v 29).

However, Jesus adds something more: “loving one’s neighbor as yourself” goes further than worshiping God through burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Gospel • Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, 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. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: publishing@ stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.