Reflection for Friday March 24, Third Week of Lent: Mark 12:28-34

Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus replied, "The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

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Reflection:

Long time ago in a certain neighborhood there a this family who would always go to church to worship God. They never miss to attend Sunday Mass and they regularly give to their church. Thus they were greatly admired by their church community.

But upon going home they belittle and berate their maids when they commit unintentional mistakes. They also look down on their poor neighbours because they are too rich and educated.

What is the best expression of our love for God? It’s to love our fellowmen no matter who they are, no matter if they’ve hurt us or not and no matter if they've done good to us or not. This is the best expression of our love for God: To love our fellowmen without any discrimination.

How can the love of God be with us or how can we say that we love God if we look down on the poor and downtrodden?  If we only love those who are lovable to our eyes?    The best testament of our love for God is when we are ready to love and forgive even those who are not good to us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas