Gospel Reflections - 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time



Why is the scribe not far from the kingdom of God?  He questions Jesus and understands His answer.  He realizes that love renders greater glory to God than any other religious ritual or practice.  He affirms Jesus’ answer, yet is told that he is not far from the kingdom, which assumes there is still some distance he must go. 

We might find our answer in the second reading today: Jesus, because he remains forever, has a priesthood that does not pass away.  We find in our Blessed Lord the perfect mediator between God and man; the perfect example and expression of the love of God.  It is through Jesus Christ that we learn to love with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.  If we take Him out of the picture, by what can we measure love?  Without Him, what is love?

Perhaps this is what the scribe was missing.  Perhaps this was the distance separating him from the kingdom of God.  Perhaps he did not yet know Jesus.  We can place ourselves in the scribe’s shoes and wonder: if I chose to follow this teacher, what would I learn of love when I see Him on the cross?

How have you learned to love from Jesus?  In what ways does He invite you to enter into His love?


What is a practical way that you can share God’s love with someone who may not know Him?

 

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