Love the Lord
There is no audio/podcast for today’s reading & meditation.
Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 12: 28-34 - One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall 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 shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“There is no other commandment greater than these.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
What is the greatest commandment? It is to love—to love God, and to love man. There are a lot of meanings to the rich word “love,” so first, we should clarify what the verb “to love” means. The Church teaches that to love means “to will the good of another.” This means that we should want what is best for others. Jesus doesn’t call this a suggestion; He calls it a commandment.
In all our dealings with other people, do we want what is best for them? At work do we consider how our business dealings affect the souls of those with whom we work? At school do we consider how our choices help or hurt our schoolmates? At home do we consider our siblings’ or parents’ or children’s needs before our own? That is the primary commandment that Christ put before us—love. Mother Teresa expressed this happy rule of life in an acronym: J.O.Y.—Jesus first, Others second, Yourself third.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
Like Pier? Share it with others (via links below) / Subscribe to it (below) / Support (the mission)
