23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) : 6th September 2020

What happens if we commit adultery? We would have dishonoured our marriage vows, destroyed our families, and destabilised our loved ones. What happens if we kill others? We would have snuffed out their lives. What happens if we steal? We would have taken others’ possessions wrongfully. What happens if we covet? We would have robbed ourselves of contentment and open ourselves up to all sorts of temptations.

St Paul reminds us of the command, “You must love your neighbour as yourself” (v 9). When we do that, we will not commit adultery, kill, steal, covet, etc.  That is why St Paul says, “Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour … it is the answer to every one of the commandments” (v 10).

If you were to watch the YouTube “The Tragedy of Flight 93” (which happened on September 11, 2001, when an American commercial plane was hijacked by terrorists), you would have noticed that when it became clear to the passengers, that they might perish, they quickly telephoned their loved ones and spoke words of love to them. Why? Because at the end of the day, it is only love that matters. That’s why St Paul encourages us to “avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love” (v 8). And that “if you love your fellow human beings you have carried out your obligations” (v 8).

We love remembering what Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment: love one another; you must love one another; just as I have loved you” (John 13:34).

Lord, today, let us listen to Your voice!