Four Words

‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ Jesus replied, ‘This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must 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 must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’

Mk. 12:28-31

A teacher of the Law overhears Jesus debating with the Sadducees and Pharisees.  His is impressed with the wisdom of Jesus’ answers and so asks Him the first authentic question of the day… “What commandment is greatest?”  Jesus in turn is impressed with the teacher’s genuineness and gives him a promise we all long to hear… "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

So, what was the answer Jesus gave and that the teacher agreed with to gain such approval from Jesus?  Very simply, love God … love others.  These four words give the whole plan of salvation for the world, the plan of salvation for me.  When I live out these four words, I am not far from the kingdom of God.

Jesus my friend, these four words are easy to say but so hard to do. Please help me live them out today.

Little Flower, please pray for me.