Friday of the Twentieth Week of the Year

Matthew 22:34-40

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?” The Pharisees ask Jesus one of the most important questions of life not because they want to learn or grow, but because they want to trick Jesus up and discredit Him.

            What an example of how learning, knowledge and position hurt rather than give life and hope! The same thing can happen to us in the Church.

            Sometimes God becomes a thing or a commodity for us. We can become very glib and free with discussing every aspect of God and the Church. We can know all the correct terminology, all of the in words and phrases, all of the latest trends and movements and have absolutely no clue as to who Jesus Christ is and what He means in my daily life.

            It is a dangerous thing when theologians, teachers, parents and preachers talk about God, but have little personal and deep knowledge of God. The higher one becomes in the responsibility of teaching and preaching the Word, the more one must be living in submission to the movement of the Holy Spirit in their life.

            The Pharisees’ question to Jesus is wonderful. The answer Jesus gives is the summary of all spiritual and religious searching. He has given them the answer to everything. Yet, can they hear it? Can they receive it? Can they live it?

            Are we able to hear the answer? Can we receive it? Can we live it? We have heard the words so many times. We have become so accustomed to them that we have memorized them and can quote them. Have they ever soaked in and really touched our hearts? Are they just too simple and familiar for us to take seriously? Do we believe that the Lord is speaking personally to us right now as if for the very first time?

            To hear Him means putting aside all preconceived answers. It means coming to Him as an open vessel waiting to be filled. It means not having the answers until Jesus gives them. It means standing humbly before the God of surprises not knowing what will be up his sleeve today.

             Imagine! Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. Imagine what would happen if we tried it!