Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Tomorrow we celebrate the solemnity of All Saints, when we recognize those many men and women who we believe have gained the eternal reward and are forever in the presence of God. Today we hear Jesus tell a scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God,” suggesting that this anonymous functionary was close to being a saint. To be a saint should be our goal, so let us listen to the Gospel and pray that we take Jesus’ words to heart and put them into action.
 

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word

Moses knew the power of God, since it flowed through him as he led the Chosen People out of captivity and toward a land flowing with milk and honey. Therefore, he enthusiastically exhorted his people to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength. Jesus repeats this directive in the Gospel, adding its complement: love your neighbor as yourself. Let us embrace these commandments as the foundation of our life.
 

Reflections

• The passage from Deuteronomy we hear today provides a bit of the context for the original formulation of what becomes “the first of all the commandments” (Mark 12:28). Unlike Jesus, Moses is not responding to a question. Moses is wrapping up his presentation of the terms of the covenant between God and the Chosen People. After detailing the ten commandments the Lord gave him on the mountain, Moses tries to impress upon the people the importance of their fidelity to this covenant. Fidelity demands an absolute faithfulness. The emphasis is not so much on heart, soul, and strength as separate entities, but on the repeated word all. Fidelity requires a commitment from their whole being.

• The scenes prior to this one shine some light on the way the scribe questioned Jesus in this passage. First, a Pharisee, trying to trap him, asked him about paying the census tax to Caesar. Then, a Sadducee, using the conundrum of a woman widowed by seven brothers to deride the idea of resurrection. Each of them addressed Jesus as “teacher,” but hypocritically. This scribe used the title with respect. Like many others, he saw Jesus as a teacher, a rabbi. Jesus here quotes Moses, the preeminent teacher of the covenant and the law, placing himself firmly in that tradition. The remaining authorities present, seeing Jesus’ success in responding to both sincere and insincere questions, chose to ask this true teacher no more questions.

• The reading of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus was much more than a teacher, more than a successor of Moses. Because he made the ultimate sacrifice and sits at God’s right hand for eternity, he is always able to intercede for us to God. Continual fidelity to the greatest commandments is a challenge, even with the best of intentions, but Jesus’ sacrifice for all forever can “save those who approach God through him” (Hebrews 7:25).
 

Question of the Week

Do I think Jesus would tell me that I am “not far from the kingdom of God?” What should I do to become closer?