30^th Sunday in Ordinary Time-A

I Reading: Exodus 22:20-26: If you are harsh with the widow, the orphan, my anger will flare.

II Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10: You broke the idolatry and became servants of God; you are now waiting for his Son.

Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40: You must love the Lord your God, and your neighbour as yourself.

The Question about the Great Commandment: A Study of Love

In the first reading, The Ten Commandments in the book of Exodus (cf. Deut 6:4-9 and Lev 19:18) are the principles, rules and instructions covering many aspects of life for justice and peace in the world. There are further instructions in the passage to be read: strangers, widows and children must be protected; lending money for interest (literally “biting”) is forbidden; a garment offered to secure a loan must not be kept overnight as it is the owner’s only protection against the cold. Compassion is the key note of these regulations.

In the second reading, Paul thanks God for the spiritual development he sees in his converts. They are proof of his preaching was effective. Their Christian joy in spite of persecution (Acts 17:5-9) has made them an example in Macedonia and Achaia.

Jesus used the occasion to teach man the greatest provision and duty of human life: love. Love will provide for every need man has; therefore, love is the greatest duty of man/woman.

The Jews divided the various books contained in Holy Scripture into two groups: The Law (Torah) and the prophets. God gave The Ten Commandments; the Jews made or had 613 precepts; whereas Jesus summed up into single command: Love.  “On these two commandments hang (rest) the whole Law (five books of Moses) which is called “ The Torah”, a word which means “The Law” and the prophets” (Mt 22:40). The gist of Jesus’ reply to the Pharisee was as follows: Love God and love your neighbour sincerely with all heart, mind and soul and might; and doing so you are sure of attaining eternal life. “All the commandments are summed up in this single command: love your neighbour as yourself.” (Rom 13:9)

1. The Pharisees plotted (v.34-36)

a. They gathered together

b. They appointed a brilliant lawyer, an expert in the law, to challenge Jesus

c. The question: Which is the greatest commandment?

2. First: Love God (v.37-39)

a. Love as your own God

b. Love with all your being: Your heart, soul and mind

c. Love is man/woman’s chief duty

3. Second: Love your neighbour (v.39)

a. Love self

b. Love neighbour as self

4. The conclusion: Love includes and embraces all the commandments (v.40)

Thought: A man loves God when he loves his neighbour. In fact, a man loves God only if he truly loves his neighbour (1Jn 4:20-21; Jn 13:34-35; Rom 13:10; 1Tim 1:5; Mt 7:12; 23:11-12; Phil 2:2-3).

The love we have for our brothers, sisters, relatives, friends, enemies, persecutors and slanderers gives us the measure of our true Christian life.

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