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.’” (Gospel for Oct. 31, Mk 12:28b-30)
Among religions in the ancient world, Judaism stood out in its monotheism, the belief in one all-powerful God. The Greatest Commandment, which Christ gives us here, follows from this truth. The forces of Satan oppose God, but God is infinitely more powerful. The battle cry of St. Michael when he defeated Satan and his rebel angels was “Who is like unto God?” It is, of course, a rhetorical question. There is only one God; may we love him completely and totally.
Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:
This month, I challenge you to begin and end each day by praying the Prayer to St. Michael.
Questions for Reflection:
What does it mean — in concrete terms — to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength? Do you use the Lord’s name in vain? Do you show proper reverence for God in your thoughts, words and actions each day?