Word to the Wise
Friday, March 8, 2024 - 3rd Week of Lent - Fri
[Hos 14:2-10 and Mark 12:28b-34]The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is one and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." [Mark]
There were 613 recognized precepts in the Law of Moses during Jesus' time (and presumably in ours). How could someone remember all of that legislation? The average Jew at that time probably didn't remember all of it. How much canon law would the average Catholic remember?!! There are 1,752 "articles" in that code!!! The scribes, like canon lawyers, were there to answer questions about what the Mosaic Law prescribed. Jesus showed a remarkably casual attitude toward what would be called "kosher." The main observances that he came into conflict with scribes about had to do with "work" on the sabbath and washing before dining and eating with people who were considered "unclean" because they didn't observe all the precepts.
The scribe in today's gospel showed a sense of perspective. The debate over the importance of this or that precept was settled by Jesus. Love of God and neighbor (as oneself) come first. Everything else is measured by those two commandments. We cannot claim to love God if we are not showing love for our neighbor. The Last Judgment parable in the Gospel According to Matthew [25:31-45] makes that very clear. Our liturgical devotion is not enough.
I have been asked on occasion by a very well-meaning non-Catholic if Catholics are really "Christians?" It is a startling question, but if we Catholics get too concerned with things that have little to do with love of God and neighbor, we deserve to be asked that question. AMEN