From the time when we are children, we begin to enter into various types of relationships: with our parents, with our siblings, with colleagues and with friends. Each of these can be different in various ways, existing at differing levels of intimacy. For those who are people of faith, our relationship with God is another of these, but whereas we ourselves may be the ones to initiate other types of relationships, it is God who comes to us first to offer the gift of friendship.
Every Jewish person knows the words spoken in today's gospel passage: The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind, and with all your strength (Mk 12: 29-30). These words need to be understood in the right context. We are only able to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength because God loved us first, with all God's heart. It was because God opened His heart to us that we have learned how to love ourselves, to love others and to love God in return.
Loving God also bears fruit for our human relationships. Jesus says that if our love for God is genuine, it will also be made known in the love we show to others. This is the reason why he added the second command: You shall love your neighbour as yourself (Mk 12: 31) and gave it as much emphasis as our relationship with God.
Have I recognized God's love for me? Has this love motivated me to be more thankful? Has God's love for me softened my heart and made it possible for me to look at my brothers and sisters in a new light?
Have a great day.
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