3rd Week of Lent (C) : Friday 28th March 2025

The religious authorities of Jesus’ time often debated the commandments and requirements of the Law that were passed down from Moses, constantly seeking a higher righteousness. Thus, in the Gospel reading today, Jesus was asked which was the first, or most important, of all commandments. Jesus, in His reply, drew their attention to an essential truth commonly known but easily forgotten: we are called first to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; then to love our neighbor as ourselves. Keeping these commandments was more important than any ritual or sacrifice.

Two thousand years later, in the midst of a thousand voices clamoring to tell us how to live better, more “successful” and “enlightened” lives, Jesus’ words in the Gospel today remain ever more urgent. It beckons us to remember what is truly important for us as pilgrims on earth – to love God above all things and to live according to His Will where we are. In doing so, the love of God described in the first reading – a love that heals all wounds and brings forth fruitfulness – comes into our lives: “I am like the cypress ever green; all your fruitfulness comes from Me.”

Today, as we experience so much pressure and brokenness in our lives, especially in our families, let us return to this truth that God loves us first. He loved us (Rm 8:37). Let the love of God become the wellspring from which we draw our strength to love family members in crisis.

Lord, You have loved us, may our way of loving console those in crisis.