Love God, Love Your Neighbor

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’ Then the scribe said to him, ‘You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that “he is one, and besides him there is no other”; and “to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength”, and “to love one’s neighbor as oneself”,—this is much more important than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.’ When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ After that no one dared to ask him any question. Mark 12:28-34

As my mother moved into her late eighties, she often referred to her closest neighbors as "next door.'' I am sure she was having trouble remembering names and used that phrase to cover her tracks. She was very proud and got frustrated when she felt her memory going. Yet, she also was so very loving, that even if she didn't remember a name, her neighbors lit up when they saw her. She was always welcoming and ready to laugh. She also loved God so very much and people often called her so that she could pray with them. When I think of this Gospel story, I often think of my mother when Jesus says, " you are not far from the kingdom of God." May we all be so regarded, as those who love God and love our neighbors so well.

Loving Creator, you plant us in community

so that we might share your love with others

and you bind us together in all of our seasons

making yourself known to us as we love others.

We can be frustrated and distressed by the world

too many take advantage of the weakest neighbors

too often those who have much hoard even more

and your love is hidden from those who need you.

May we be those who are close to the kingdom of God

as we tend to the needs of all of our neighbors

as we see your love radiating in the stranger made friend

and as we rededicate our lives to living your love daily. Amen.