Jesus, who brings in the kingdom of God, loves us to the end, to the point of giving up his body and shedding his blood.  Such greatest love makes for the kingdom being fully set up. 

Jesus is in Jerusalem.  He teaches and answers questions from the wise and learned.  And a scribe, who likes the answers Jesus gives, comes up with a question of his own.  For he wants to know what Jesus thinks is the first or greatest of all the commandments.

In reply, Jesus sums up the 613 precepts from the Torah in the two commandments of love God and love of neighbor.  He also expressly says that this two-fold commandment of love is the greatest of all.

And the scribe praises Jesus for his answer.  Jesus, in turn, as he hears the scribe speak further to show that he agrees, sees that he understands.  Hence, in the end, he tells the scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

So, Jesus and the scribe get to agree.  This means Christians and Jews do not have to treat one another as rivals or as enemies.  Yes, there are things Christians and Jews can agree on.  Still and all, there is no denying that Jesus does not see the scribe to be quite there yet.  He is just “not far from the kingdom of God.”

Such saying does not at all mean Christians are ahead of the Jews or of other groups.  It but lets all know what it takes for the kingdom to be set up fully.  What it takes, too, for us to be there.  That is to say, it takes love, the greatest love that Jesus has and shows.

Yes, he has and shows the greatest love.  For he dies for his friends.  And to love as he does is for all of us to dwell together as brothers and sisters.  This spells good and pleasing things.  It also means the kingdom of God is now here.

Lord Jesus, give us a share in your two great virtues of reverence for your Father and love for us humans (SV.EN VI:413).  Grant also that we love one another in the greatest way, in the way you love us, not turning back in the face of threats as we stand up for justice, love, union, inclusion.  We shall thus be with you as you offer yourself as a pleasing sacrifice.

3 November 2024
31st Sunday in O.T. (B)
Dt 6, 2-6; Heb 7, 23-28; Mk 12, 28b-34