30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

Exodus 22:20-26

Psalm 18

1Thessalonians 1:5-10

Mathieu 22:34-40

LOVE OF GOD AND LOVE of6 NEIGHBOR 

“Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” This was the question put to Jesus by a doctor of the Law. Even if his intention was to test Jesus, the question was worth asking; for in the Mosaic Law there were six hundred and thirteen (613) precepts and prohibitions. As such, the Law that was supposed to guarantee the freedom of man and protect the weak became a burden for the people. But from Jesus’ response, we learn that the key to interpret the “whole law and the prophets” is the double commandment of love: love of God and love of neighbour (Matt. 22:34-40).

As such, I would like to highlight three important lessons in today’s readings. Firstly, love is like a coin with two inseparable faces: we cannot pretend to love God if we fail to love and seek the good of our brothers and sisters (cf. 1 John 4:20). Our love of God finds practical expression in love of neighbour, and love of neighbour shows the quality of our love of God.

Secondly, love is not an abstract thing; it is not about words. Love is a lifestyle. As the first reading teaches, love must be shown in simple and concrete ways, such as showing compassion and caring for the stranger, the widows, the orphans and the poor (cf. Exod. 22:20-26). The basis of such caring love for the little ones is God’s love for us.

Thirdly, to love is to appreciate people, to recognize the good in them and encourage them to keep doing good. This is shown in the second reading. Full of apostolic zeal and love for all, St Paul commends the Thessalonians for their living faith in the one and true God. By their faith translated in concrete ways of life, they had become a model for all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia (1Thes. 1:5-10).

Therefore, let us ask ourselves if we truly love. Do we care about the needy, the stranger, the widow and orphan, the aged, the sick or those young ones who need help to further their education? Let us remember: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”, says the Lord (Matt. 25:40). May God bless and keep all of us. Amen