Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34
One of the great weaknesses of a law-based ethical system is keeping faithful to every law at every moment. What happens when laws come in conflict with each other? Which one should we obey? For example, the law tells us to keep holy the Sabbath and not do any work on the Sabbath day. It also tells us to help another in need. Is it considered work to help someone in need on the Sabbath? Some say yes, some say no. Jesus was condemned by many for helping those on the Sabbath.
But in giving us the law of love Jesus provides for us our tool of discernment we need to know what we must do in every situation. Love demands care for others; that is always our first priority. Everything else is secondary to this consideration. It would be inconvenient for me to help the man harmed by robbers. Temple duties are a pressing matter and need attention. These are not as important as providing love and care to the man dying in the ditch.
Over and above a law-based system of ethics we have the imitation of the example of Jesus for us to guide us in all things. To be a disciple is to imitate the one we follow, the one we call Teacher and Lord. The example of Jesus is one where love was always the guide in all actions of life. The life of Jesus is our ever present meditation and discernment tool for us in how to live and be in the world.
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