The next step in faith

FROM A READING FOR NOV. 4, 31ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart...” — Deut 6:5-6

Often, in the Gospels, when the scribes and Pharisees approach Jesus, it is to test Him or to start an argument.

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mk 12:28b-34), the scribe who approaches Jesus seems to do so in order to ask a question genuinely, without any ulterior motives. Perhaps he does not yet trust Jesus fully, but his question for the Lord is sincere. Jesus recognizes that sincerity and responds in kind.

The young scribe asks which is the greatest commandment, and Jesus quotes Deuteronomy. The first reading this Sunday (Deut 6:2-6) includes the passage Jesus quotes; in this way, the liturgy bridges the gap between the Old and New Testaments so we understand where and how Jesus answers this important question.

Just as Moses taught that truth so long ago, it is still relevant and valid for us: The most important thing is to love God with everything in you.

Jesus goes beyond that initial question, however, and offers the second commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” When the scribe hears this, he rejoices and exuberantly affirms what Jesus says.

Wise answer

The scribe replies, “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.”

The man is able to see through Jesus’ eyes and make the next step: namely, that true worship — love of God and neighbor — is better than any animal sacrifice.

We are told that he answered wisely. The Gospel writer’s words are surprising, because Jesus is the one who was asked the question; then, when the scribe hears Jesus’ response and repeats it back, he is said to have answered wisely.

In a way, he answered his own question, but with the help of ­Jesus.

St. Paul, in his letter to the Hebrews (7:23-28), says that Jesus “is always able to save those who approach God through Him.” We see an example of this in the Gospel story of the scribe.

Teacher of truth

The scribe attempted to approach God by asking for a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. He asked Jesus to help him interpret the word of God. Jesus did so and led the man to wisdom, to the point that Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

When we approach Jesus as teacher, He will lead us into greater truth.

Jesus, our God and risen Lord, is still able to teach us. Though we do not see Him as this young scribe did, and though we may not hear his voice or see him standing in front of us, Jesus is present to us as the way, the truth and the life. In our acts of faith, hope, and love, Jesus is present in our minds and hearts, along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit.

This is why, in the Alleluia verse before Sunday’s Gospel, we sing: “Whoever loves me will keep my word…and my Father will love him and we will come to him.”

Love draws God into our lives, into this world, into the hearts of men and women. Every time we speak the truth in love, like this scribe did, we invite God into the world again, and He does come. He comes as truth and love, to help us to know Him better and to love Him more.