Living the Commandments!

The Commandments are the laws of God and we need to live them each day. Of course, we can use the Commandments for our Examination of Conscience as we approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our gospel for today, Mark 12:28-34, highlights the Commandments of Love that Jesus gives to us. As I have said and written before, when we put the Commandments of Love into practice, we are living the Ten Commandments. When you look at the ten, the first three Commandments focus on love of God and the final seven focus on love of neighbor. Jesus answers the scribes when they ask which is the first of all the commandments: "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. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." As the psalmist says for today, "I am the Lord your God: hear my voice" (Ps 81). When we listen to the voice of the Lord today, especially in Sacred Scripture, what is he saying to us: Love God and Love your Neighbor. We pray for that gift of love each day! During this Season of Lent, let us open our minds and hearts to the love of God and neighbor because that is a gift that will carry us now and for ever! God Bless You!!!