Reflection from Fr Dominic 30th Sunday Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel the Pharisees attempt to trick Jesus by asking him. Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest? Jesus, without hesitation answers them. You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. But then, Jesus adds a second commandment. He says. The second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Everything else in life is subordinate to these two commandments.
Jesus made it clear that love is a basis of our Christian faith. If we follow every other law in our faith, but do it without love, it means nothing. And, if we love God, but not our neighbor, it means nothing. God is love, therefore all  that he has created is good, and is to be respected and cherished.
In many cultures, the best known symbol of love is probably a heart. For our Christian faith, though, the Cross has always been the greatest symbol of love it is a reminder of God the Father showing his special love for us, by giving us his Son. As Christian, we must never forget, nor take for granted, the perfect act of sacrificial love Christ made for us on the Cross. It stands as a bridge between a broken people and our God. Jesus gave us the most authoritative teaching on God ‘s law and became the lynchpin for its successful implementation on earth.
For those who truly want to follow Christ, being faithful to his teachings means giving of ourselves for the sake of others. That shows real love. It may mean looking for a way to bring love into the most difficult circumstances and among the most challenging people.
When we commit to being Christ’s followers, we choose to be as he did, which was to bring the Father’s love to all people and to help build up the Kingdom of God on earth. We do this by making love the basis for all our actions an interactions. We are to love, no matter the cost. Jesus taught us that we cannot love God without loving and serving  those around us. Are we humble and brave enough to accept this challenge?
God bless you all.
Fr. Dominic
Your brother in Christ