Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34
On the surface, today's Gospel portion seems to be a break in the trials of Jesus in Jerusalem we have been observing. A scribe comes up to Jesus with a question on what the most important commandment is in the law. The conversation between Jesus and the scribe appears amiable, and apparent agreement on the answer to the question is evident. Jesus even tells the scribe that he is not far from the kingdom of heaven. But perhaps he is further away, as are we...
The question about the greatest commandment is the most debated one in Judaism. There are more than six hundred commandments in the law - which one holds priority? The answer Jesus gives on the law of love was not controversial. Many other rabbis had the same answer to the question. The difference is in the scope of one's circle of concern and care regarding the term neighbor. For Jesus it includes enemy and friend, stranger and family. Few others had this interpretation.
This scope of Jesus' love is shown throughout his ministry to others. He refused no one who came to him. He provided care for people of all genders, races, creeds, and backgrounds of all types. Jesus even cared for the untouchables of his day - lepers and those possessed by demons. Did the scribe hold to this vision? Do we? Jesus will lay down his life for all people and forgive all people from the cross. If we claim to be followers of Jesus, this must be our vision and mission as well.
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