The Heart of Our Faith

The readings from today’s Mass lead us to reflect on the deepest call of our faith: to love God wholeheartedly and to let that love overflow in service and love for others. This theme is not just central to today’s passages, but it’s also woven into the very fabric of our Christian identity. From Moses’s ancient command to love God in Deuteronomy, to David’s psalm of trust in God’s steadfast protection, to the unique and eternal priesthood of Christ in Hebrews, we see a clear, cohesive message. Each reading lays a brick in the foundation of love for God and for one another, culminating in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus identifies these as the greatest commandments.

These passages invite us to consider how our lives—our thoughts, actions, and choices—reflect this core calling. To love God with all our heart, mind, and strength isn’t merely an emotional commitment but an active, all-encompassing devotion that should shape every facet of our lives. Today, as we explore each reading more deeply, let us be reminded that our journey toward God begins and ends with love: a love that starts within us, is fueled by the Holy Spirit, and radiates to those around us, drawing us closer to the Kingdom of God.

First Reading – Deuteronomy 6:2-6

The Call to Love and Obedience
The Book of Deuteronomy, which means “second law,” captures Moses’s farewell speeches to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This new generation had not experienced the Exodus or seen God’s miraculous deliverance firsthand, so Moses reiterates the covenant and the laws given at Sinai. In this passage, we encounter the Shema, named after the Hebrew word for “hear,” and it is one of the most sacred prayers in Jewish tradition. This prayer emphasizes God’s oneness and calls for complete devotion, forming a central tenet of Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people. Moses’s words underscore the importance of passing down the faith to future generations and establishing God’s commandments as the foundation of life.

For Christians, this call to love God fully resonates through Jesus’s teaching on the greatest commandment in today’s Gospel, reminding us that our love for God must be our highest priority, forming the bedrock of our spiritual lives.

Deuteronomy 6:2-6
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

² so that you and your children and your children’s children may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life, and keep all his decrees and his commandments that I am commanding you, so that your days may be long. ³ Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you, and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you.
⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. ⁵ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. ⁶ Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 2
“so that you and your children and your children’s children may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life, and keep all his decrees and his commandments that I am commanding you, so that your days may be long.”
Moses begins by reminding the Israelites that their relationship with God is not just for themselves but is meant to be generational. The phrase “fear the Lord” refers to reverent respect, a holy awe that inspires obedience. For the Israelites, this reverence was not meant to inspire terror but a profound love and respect for God’s power and mercy. In Catholic teaching, this sense of awe and reverence is seen as a gift of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1831), one that helps us live out the commandments with joy and commitment. By keeping God’s decrees, the people were promised a long life, showing that obedience is intrinsically linked to blessings and the fullness of life.

Verse 3
“Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you, and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you.”
Moses calls for the people’s attention with the word “hear,” emphasizing that they are to take these words to heart and observe them with intentionality. The phrase “a land flowing with milk and honey” symbolizes abundance and prosperity, signifying God’s provision and blessings for Israel.

Verse 4
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.”
The Shema begins with this fundamental declaration, affirming the monotheistic belief that Israel is to worship no one but the one true God. This declaration sets Israel apart from the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations and reinforces their unique relationship with God. This same call to undivided loyalty is echoed in the First Commandment, which instructs us to put nothing before God. The Catechism teaches that “faith in God leads us to turn to Him alone as our first origin and our ultimate goal” (CCC 2084). This radical loyalty to God challenges us today to examine any attachments or distractions that might compete with our devotion to Him.

Verse 5
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”
Moses commands an all-encompassing love for God, one that engages every dimension of human life. “Heart” represents our emotions and will, “soul” signifies our spiritual essence, and “might” reflects our strength and effort. This commandment invites us to love God with every aspect of our being—our desires, decisions, and actions. St. Augustine reflects on this verse by explaining that to love God is to find our highest joy in Him alone, where we are ultimately fulfilled. In Catholic devotion, we are called to renew this total commitment daily, whether through prayer, service, or participation in the sacraments, as a reminder that God is the center of our lives.

Verse 6
“Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart.”
Moses instructs the Israelites to internalize these commandments, making them a constant part of their lives. The heart, in biblical terms, is more than a place of emotion; it’s the core of one’s being, encompassing one’s thoughts, decisions, and motivations. Jesus reiterates this teaching in the New Testament, urging His followers to let God’s Word dwell in their hearts and to live it authentically. For Catholics, this verse is a reminder of the importance of meditating on God’s Word and allowing it to transform us from within. The Catechism encourages us to make Scripture part of our daily prayer, inviting God’s Word to renew our hearts and shape our actions (CCC 2653).

Reflection

The Shema calls us to complete devotion, challenging us to make God the central focus of our lives and to pass on our faith to future generations. Is our love for God visible in our daily actions, choices, and relationships? This reading invites us to create habits that reflect our love for God—whether through prayer, sacrificial service, or simple acts of kindness. By striving to embody God’s commandments in everything we do, we not only strengthen our relationship with Him but also become witnesses of His love to those around us.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 50

God, Our Fortress and Deliverer
Psalm 18 is a song of thanksgiving attributed to King David. It celebrates God’s faithfulness and deliverance, as David reflects on how God saved him from the threats of his enemies, particularly King Saul, who sought his life. David’s imagery in this psalm is vivid and powerful, using metaphors that capture God’s strength and protection. For David, God is not only a distant deity but a personal protector, someone who intervenes in times of trouble and acts as a refuge. This theme of divine protection and rescue resonates with the Catholic understanding of God as a loving Father who is intimately involved in our lives, always ready to protect and guide us.

Psalm 18 is part of the larger tradition of psalms that praise God for His saving power and enduring faithfulness. This psalm is also prophetic, foreshadowing Jesus as our ultimate Deliverer, who conquered sin and death and offers us refuge from spiritual enemies. Catholics pray with the psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours, finding solace in the reminder that God is our fortress, our rock, and our deliverer in all situations.

Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 50
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

² The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
³ I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    so I shall be saved from my enemies.
⁴ The cords of death encompassed me;
    the torrents of perdition assailed me;

⁴⁷ the God who gave me vengeance
    and subdued peoples under me;

⁵⁰ Great triumphs he gives to his king,
    and shows steadfast love to his anointed,
    to David and his descendants forever.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 2
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
David uses multiple images here to express God’s reliability and strength. By calling God his “rock” and “fortress,” he acknowledges God as a source of stability, much like the unshakable rocks and fortresses that provided protection in times of war. “Shield” and “horn of salvation” emphasize God’s role as a protector and savior. In Catholic spirituality, these images remind us of the security we find in God’s love. The Catechism describes prayer as a “battle of faith and love” in which we trust in God as our refuge and support, especially in difficult times (CCC 2725).

Verse 3
“I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies.”
David’s act of calling upon God in times of trouble reflects a deep trust in God’s ability to save. For Catholics, this verse is a reminder that prayer is a powerful source of strength, and we are encouraged to “pray without ceasing” as St. Paul teaches (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer connects us with God, who listens and acts on our behalf.

Verse 4
“The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of perdition assailed me;”
David describes the overwhelming dangers he faced, using the imagery of death and destruction. This verse resonates with anyone who has experienced moments of despair, where fear and hopelessness seem all-consuming. The Catholic tradition acknowledges the value of crying out to God in these times, trusting that He will respond and deliver us.

Verse 47
“the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me;”
David attributes his victories over his enemies to God, recognizing that it was divine intervention, not his own strength, that led to triumph. This acknowledgment speaks to the Catholic understanding of God as the ultimate source of justice. In our own struggles, we are called to trust that God will bring about justice in His time and in His way. While this may not mean victory over physical enemies, it can mean spiritual triumphs—overcoming temptation, sin, or inner battles through God’s grace.

Verse 50
“Great triumphs he gives to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.”
This verse foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to David in the person of Jesus Christ, the “Son of David.” God’s “steadfast love” extends not only to David but to his descendants forever, symbolizing the eternal covenant fulfilled in Christ. For Catholics, this verse is a reminder of the unbreakable covenant God has made with humanity through Jesus, our eternal King. This love is unchanging and steadfast, a promise we encounter in every Eucharist, where Christ, our King, is made present to us.

Reflection

Psalm 18 offers us a powerful image of God as our rock, fortress, and deliverer. It encourages us to trust in God’s protection, even when we feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Do we turn to God as our first refuge, or do we rely too heavily on ourselves? This psalm invites us to deepen our trust in God, knowing that He is always ready to support us. By calling upon God in prayer, especially during difficult times, we open ourselves to His strength and peace, becoming more rooted in the certainty of His unwavering love.

Second Reading – Hebrews 7:23-28

Christ, Our Eternal High Priest
The Letter to the Hebrews provides one of the most detailed theological explanations of Jesus’s role as the eternal High Priest, a theme that would have been particularly meaningful for early Jewish Christians. In Judaism, the priesthood was a central institution, mediating the relationship between God and His people through continual sacrifices and rituals. Yet, as Hebrews points out, these human priests were imperfect and subject to death, meaning their roles were limited in both time and effect. Each priest could only serve for as long as he lived, and each sacrifice had to be repeated, reflecting human limitations in the pursuit of holiness.

The author of Hebrews offers a transformative perspective by presenting Jesus as a new, permanent kind of High Priest. Jesus’s priesthood doesn’t rely on human lineage or the laws of the Levitical priesthood. Instead, it’s founded on His divine nature and His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. This passage invites us to contemplate the radical shift brought by Christ’s eternal priesthood: where the old covenant required continual sacrifices and a series of intermediaries, Christ Himself is both the Priest and the Sacrifice, perfectly bridging the gap between humanity and God.

Hebrews 7:23-28
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

²³ Furthermore, the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; ²⁴ but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. ²⁵ Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
²⁶ For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. ²⁷ Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. ²⁸ For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 23-24
“Furthermore, the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.”
These verses highlight the contrast between the temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood and the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood. The fact that human priests were “prevented by death” from continuing their role illustrates the limitations of the old covenant. In contrast, Jesus’s priesthood is everlasting; He continues forever. For Catholics, this teaching is central to our understanding of the Mass, where we believe that Christ’s eternal priesthood is made present, and we participate in His unending intercession.

Verse 25
“Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
This verse assures us that Jesus’s priesthood is not just permanent but also effective for all eternity. Christ’s intercession is unending, meaning He continually advocates for us before the Father. This is why Catholics can confidently approach God through Jesus, knowing that He is both our advocate and our sacrifice. The Catechism affirms that “in the Eucharist, Christ gives himself for us as our sacrifice, offering once and for all a source of salvation” (CCC 1409).

Verse 26
“For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.”
Here, the author of Hebrews describes the purity and perfection of Jesus. He is unlike any other priest because He is “holy, blameless, undefiled” and “separated from sinners.” This distinction sets Jesus apart as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, fulfilling the role that human priests could only symbolically represent. This sinlessness and perfection affirm His unique ability to offer Himself as a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice.

Verse 27
“Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself.”
Unlike human priests, Jesus doesn’t need to offer repeated sacrifices because His one offering was complete and sufficient for all time. This is a profound mystery that the Catholic Church celebrates in every Mass. As Catholics, we believe that in the Eucharist, we are present at this eternal sacrifice, not because Jesus is crucified again, but because His sacrifice exists outside time and is perpetually present to us. The Catechism explains that in the Mass, we participate in the “one single sacrifice” of Christ, which is made present to us in a real, sacramental way (CCC 1367).

Verse 28
“For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.”
This verse underscores the divine authority behind Christ’s priesthood. Unlike human priests, who are limited by weakness, Jesus’s priesthood is divinely appointed through God’s eternal promise. The “word of the oath” reflects the unchanging nature of God’s promise, affirming that Jesus’s priesthood fulfills and surpasses the law’s requirements. His perfection is not a human achievement but a divine reality, eternally established.

Reflection

The message of this passage invites us to reflect on the extraordinary gift of Jesus’s priesthood. Do we fully appreciate the fact that Jesus continually intercedes for us? This passage also encourages us to approach the Eucharist with reverence, knowing that each Mass is an encounter with Christ’s eternal sacrifice. Let us allow this reading to deepen our understanding of Jesus as our perfect High Priest and the powerful, sacrificial love that sustains our relationship with God.

Holy Gospel – Mark 12:28-34

The Greatest Commandment
In Mark 12, Jesus has been engaged in debates with religious leaders who attempt to challenge His authority and teachings. The scribe in this passage is intrigued by Jesus’s responses and approaches Him with a genuine question about the most important commandment. This question would have been familiar to any Jew of the time, as the Jewish law contains 613 commandments, and it was a common topic of discussion among religious scholars to debate which commandment held the highest importance.

In response, Jesus quotes the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, a central Jewish prayer that affirms God’s unity and calls for total love and devotion to Him. Jesus then adds a second commandment from Leviticus 19:18, which instructs to “love your neighbor as yourself.” By combining these two commandments, Jesus offers a radical teaching: true love for God is inseparable from love for others. This teaching is foundational to Christian ethics and highlights that loving God without loving others is incomplete. Jesus’s answer is so profound that the scribe acknowledges the wisdom in it, and Jesus responds by saying he is “not far from the kingdom of God.”

Mark 12:28-34
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

The First Commandment
²⁸ One 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?” ²⁹ Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; ³⁰ you 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.’ ³¹ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” ³² Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; ³³ and ‘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.” ³⁴ When 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.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 28-30
“The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you 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.’”
Jesus begins by quoting the Shema, affirming that the love of God is the highest commandment. To love God with one’s “heart,” “soul,” “mind,” and “strength” involves every dimension of our being—emotions, thoughts, spirituality, and actions. This all-encompassing love demands a radical commitment to God that transcends mere observance of the law. In Catholic tradition, this commandment calls us to center our lives around God and to make Him the foundation of our identity. The Catechism teaches that “the first commandment requires us to love God above all things and love our neighbors as ourselves” (CCC 2086).

Verse 31
“The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Jesus seamlessly connects love of God with love of neighbor, showing that they are inseparable. According to Church Fathers like St. John Chrysostom, “It is impossible to love God without loving one’s neighbor.” The commandment to love one’s neighbor is a call to selflessness, mercy, and compassion. Jesus’s words expand on the Jewish understanding of neighbor, reminding us that true love encompasses everyone, including those who are difficult to love or who may even be our enemies.

Verse 32-33
“Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and besides him there is no other; and 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.’”
The scribe’s response demonstrates his understanding that love and devotion to God and neighbor surpass ritual sacrifices. This acknowledgment reflects the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, where prophets like Hosea proclaimed, “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6). The scribe’s insight aligns with Catholic teaching, which emphasizes that rituals and sacrifices must come from a place of genuine love and faith rather than empty observance.

Verse 34
“When 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.”
Jesus’s response acknowledges the scribe’s wisdom, telling him he is “not far from the kingdom of God.” This statement highlights that understanding and living out the commandments of love brings us closer to God’s kingdom. Jesus’s words also challenge us to reflect on how closely our own lives align with these commandments. The passage ends with the realization that Jesus’s authority and insight leave no room for further questioning, as His response reveals the heart of God’s law.

Teachings and References

The call to love God with all our being and to love our neighbors as ourselves is central to the teachings of Jesus and the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that “love of neighbor is inseparable from love for God” (CCC 1878), meaning we cannot genuinely claim to love God if we fail to love those around us. Furthermore, St. Thomas Aquinas emphasizes that “the divine law commands us to love God and our neighbor, because this is the foundation of our happiness and our salvation” (Summa Theologiae II-II, Q.25, A.1).

This teaching also forms the basis of Catholic social teaching, which calls us to care for the marginalized, advocate for justice, and embody mercy. Loving one’s neighbor is more than a passive state of goodwill; it requires action, selflessness, and a commitment to seeing Christ in every person.

Reflection

Jesus’s words in this passage invite us to make love our highest priority. Are we truly loving God with all aspects of our lives—our thoughts, emotions, actions, and relationships? This reading challenges us to examine whether our love for others reflects the love we profess for God. It calls us to look beyond superficial acts and to embrace a love that is rooted in the very heart of God. When we live out these commandments, we draw nearer to the kingdom of God, not only in a future sense but as a present reality that we help bring into the world through our lives.

Living the Greatest Commandment Today

Today’s readings reveal that love is the essence of our faith. In a world that often prioritizes self-interest and division, we are reminded that the heart of our call as Christians is to love God with all that we are and to extend that love to others. This love isn’t a sentiment or a feeling but an intentional choice that manifests through our actions, our words, and our relationships. By living this commandment, we participate in God’s mission, becoming vessels of His love and mercy.

How can we embody this call in our daily lives? Each day presents an opportunity to express our love for God through prayer, worship, and obedience, and to serve others selflessly. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are called to bring Christ’s love to those around us, particularly to those who are marginalized, lonely, or suffering. When we live out this commandment, we experience the peace of God’s kingdom here and now, even as we journey toward its fullness in eternity.

Engage with Us!

What spoke to you most in today’s readings? How do you live out the commandments of love in your own life? Share your reflections in the comments below!

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you deepen your relationship with God and show love more fully in your daily life?
2. What does loving your neighbor look like in your unique circumstances?
3. How does understanding Jesus’s role as our eternal High Priest encourage you in your spiritual journey?

Let’s support one another by reflecting on how we can persevere in our faith and spread the Gospel in our daily lives. Together, we can lift each other up and strive to live out the love of Christ in everything we do.

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