“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Gospel for Oct. 25, Mt 22:37-39)
The connection between these two commandments is unmistakable: We must love both God and our neighbor. They are in keeping with the “new commandment” that Jesus gave us at the Last Supper: “Love one another as I love you” (Jn 15:12). What does it mean to “love one another” as Christ has loved us? Jesus further told his disciples at the Last Supper, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13). May we lay down our lives daily in love of God and neighbor.
Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:
This month, I challenge you to make a small financial sacrifice (such as forgoing a daily cup of coffee, a subscription to a streaming service or eating out one night) and donate the money you save to the poor. Second, I challenge you to show your love for your neighbors by participating in the Faith in Action Coats for Kids program with your council.
Questions for Reflection:
What are some specific ways you can love God with your heart, your soul and you mind? How does laying down your life for another show you love them? What are some small, everyday ways you can lay down your life for God and others?