Theme: Deut. 26:16-19; Ps. 118:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt. 5:43-48
Scriptures: Fundamental command of Jesus: Love of God and Love of Neighbour (enemy)
The Bible portrays about the unique relationship between the God and the people of Israel. They were in agreement with each other which is called covenant. That He would be their God. That God would make the people of Israel as his treasured people. That He would abide by His promise. That He would set the people of Israel on high above all nations and in fame and in honours. On the other hand, the people of Israel would keep the statutes, commandments and ordinances of the Lord. Moses placed the law of God before the people of Israel to remind them this agreement. They were called to the law diligently with all their heart and mind and soul. God is pleased with the observance of the law. Moses as the father figure and the mediator between the God and the people constantly instructed, reminded, explained and exhorted his people at every time. At last, he told them to keep it or observe it. Moses reminded to love God with all our heart and mind and soul.
The psalmist also says that those who keep the laws of the Lord, walk in the law of the Lord, keep His decrees with their whole heart, would be happy. The psalmist found happiness in keeping the law; therefore, he also prayed that he would remain steadfast in doing so in the future.
While referring to Gospels, Jesus is the only person who observed all the statutes, commandments and ordinances of the Lord with perfection in his life. Jesus is therefore called the fulfillment of all the laws and prophets. He perfected in portraying how we should keep the laws of the Lord. Jesus kept the law of love of God. But He invited His disciples to observe yet another important law.
Jesus had already explained to his disciples the meaning of the laws and prophets. He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first commandment. And the second is like it, love your neighbour as yourself. All the laws and the prophets hand on these two commandments. (Mt. 22:37-40).
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminded his disciples about the love of neighbour. This law was based on the book of Leviticus (18:19). It was written in the context of fellow Jews. Jews considered their fellow Jews as their only neighbour. There was no command to hate others. But some misinterpreted it to hate others especially the enemy. Jesus wanted his disciples to love everyone. His command included the enemy. The love of God and love of neighbour was the fundamental command of Jesus. In doing so, we will imitate God who send equally light and rain on the evil and on the good.
Jesus and Moses is reminding us in the season of Lent to love everyone even the enemy and love God with our heart, mind and soul. It is certainly difficult but not impossible. Jesus has shown us how to love God and our neighbour especially our enemies on the cross when he prayed for those who persecuted him, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Lk. 23:34) May God bless us to keep the fundamental command of Jesus in our lives.
