Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This Sunday’s readings bring us back to the essence of our faith, which is the command to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. This call to love, so central to Jesus’ teaching, is not a concept to be understood merely in words. It is a demanding invitation to act with a heart like Christ’s, embracing a love that serves, sacrifices and unites.

Our first reading from Deuteronomy (6:2-6) contains what is known as the Shema, a core prayer of the Jewish faith that declares the Lord as the one God of Israel:

“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

For the Israelites, this was not a new teaching but a reminder of their covenant with God. Loving God fully meant dedicating their entire lives, priorities and actions to Him alone, recognising Him as their one source of life and identity. In this passage, God’s people are invited to reflect on their lives and see if they align with His commandments.

In our context today, what does it mean to love God with our whole heart, soul and strength? Is He the centre of our lives, or do we place other things, like wealth, success or comfort above Him? God’s command to Israel is a reminder to us as well that true faith is wholehearted. It does not compartmentalise God to Sunday Mass or when we’re in need. This command is an invitation to constant, faithful communion with God that shapes every part of who we are.

In the second reading, the Letter to the Hebrews (7:23-28) speaks of the priesthood of Christ, contrasting it with the Jewish priesthood of the Old Covenant. The author explains:

“He has no need, as did the high priests, to offer sacrifice day after day… he did that once for all when he offered himself.” (Hebrews 7:27)

Jesus, our High Priest, has offered Himself for us once and for all. This ultimate sacrifice demonstrates not only His priestly role but also the ultimate expression of God’s love. Christ’s love led Him to sacrifice Himself completely, embodying the very commandment He gives us to love God fully and to love others as He has loved us. For us, this self-giving love of Jesus is both a gift and a model. If Christ offered Himself fully, we too are called to give of ourselves, not to seek security in worldly ways but to trust God fully. Christ’s sacrifice is also a reminder that we can come to Him with confidence in our needs, knowing He is the compassionate and eternal High Priest who cares deeply for each of us.

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 12:28-34), a scribe approaches Jesus and asks which commandment is the greatest. Jesus responds by summarising the entirety of the law in two commandments:

“The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone… You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’” (Mark 12:29-31)

By joining these commandments, Jesus clarifies that genuine love of God is inseparable from love of neighbour. We cannot say we love God while ignoring or dismissing the needs of those around us. Likewise, we cannot truly love our neighbour if we do not have a sincere, living relationship with God, who is the source of all love. The scribe in the Gospel recognises this and Jesus affirms that he is “not far from the kingdom of God.” This teaching challenges us to examine how our love for God manifests in our lives. Do we see His image in others, especially in those who are suffering, lonely or in need? It is easy to love those who are close to us, those who are like us, but Jesus calls us to a broader, inclusive love that mirrors His own.

Loving God with all our heart, soul and strength requires a daily commitment. This can be through prayer, daily reflection on Scripture, or small acts of self-denial that reorient our hearts toward Him. Are we setting aside intentional time with God, or are we allowing distractions to pull us away from this relationship?

Our faith requires us to act with love toward others, whether it’s family, friends or those we might consider strangers. This week, let us be intentional about practising compassion and respect, going beyond what is easy or comfortable. Are there people in our lives who need our forgiveness, support or encouragement? Think about it!

Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). This means that our love for God finds expression in how we treat those in need, who are vulnerable or marginalised. Volunteering, giving to charity or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need can be profound acts of love that honour God.

This Sunday’s readings remind us that the command to love God and our neighbour is not a suggestion but a foundation of our Christian faith. It is a love that calls for our entire being, not just in words but in action. Jesus’ teaching this Sunday is a roadmap to true discipleship, calling us to love with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength. As we approach the altar and receive Christ in the Eucharist, let us ask for the grace to live out this great commandment, being witnesses of His love in the world. May we, like the scribe in the Gospel, seek God earnestly, recognising that in loving Him and others, we are truly near to His Kingdom.

Amen.