SERMON/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT 8TH MARCH 2024

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SERMON/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT 8TH MARCH 2024

Hosea 14:1-9; Ps.81; Mark 12:28b-34

Love is the best form of Repentance

The knowledgeable Scribe, having being impressed by Jesus’ teaching sought to test him with the question of which commandment is the greatest. This was a common way of distinguishing Jewish teachers of that time. Although the question is about one precept, Jesus adds to it a second: Deut.6:4-5 and Lev.19:18. In effect he makes of the two precepts one dual commandment. For Him, love of God is to be expressed in the love of human beings.

With this answer Jesus shows that we cannot subject the Christian principles to arithmetical calculations or Economics. To do so is to treat some of God’s word to be more important than some others. God is not hierarchical within Himself. He is truly one; “the Lord, our God is One Lord”. With this, lent again calls us to critically evaluate every details our lives.

We must overcome the temptation to feel comfortable with some sinful habits on the basis that they are not too serious. With this altitude, we prevent the grace of God from touching every aspect of our lives. This is not what God demands; He demands our “all”; He calls us to love Him with “all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and will all your strength”.

The best way we can verify our love for God is by considering our love for our neighbour. Love is the best form of repentance. Like the Scribe in today’s gospel, let us always come to Jesus with the desire to gain deep insight into how to please God. In our peculiar life condition, it is Jesus who can teach us how to love Him and those we come in contact with. 

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