First reading 2 Timothy 2:8-15
If we have died with Christ then we shall live with Christ
Remember the Good News that I carry, ‘Jesus Christ risen from the dead, sprung from the race of David’; it is on account of this that I have my own hardships to bear, even to being chained like a criminal – but they cannot chain up God’s news. So I bear it all for the sake of those who are chosen, so that in the end they may have the salvation that is in Christ Jesus and the eternal glory that comes with it.
Here is a saying that you can rely on:
If we have died with him, then we shall live with him.
If we hold firm, then we shall reign with him.
If we disown him, then he will disown us.
We may be unfaithful, but he is always faithful,
for he cannot disown his own self.
Remind them of this; and tell them in the name of God that there is to be no wrangling about words: all that this ever achieves is the destruction of those who are listening. Do all you can to present yourself in front of God as a man who has come through his trials, and a man who has no cause to be ashamed of his life’s work and has kept a straight course with the message of the truth.
Responsorial Psalm 24(25):4-5,8-10,14
O Lord, make me know your ways.
O Lord, make me know ways.
Teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth, and teach me;
for you are the God of my salvation.
Good and upright is the Lord;
He shows the way to sinners.
He guides the humble in right judgement;
to the humble he teaches his way.
All the Lord’s paths are mercy and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and commands.
The Lord’s secret is for those who fear him;
to them be reveals his covenant.
Gospel Mark 12:28-34
‘You are not far from the kingdom of God’
One of the scribes came up to Jesus and put a question to him, ‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ Jesus replied, ‘This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must 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 must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ The scribe said to him, ‘Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true: that he is one and there is no other. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any holocaust or sacrifice.’ Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And after that no one dared to question him any more.
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Love God, love others
In today’s Gospel, a scribe asks Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus responds with two inseparable commands: “You are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second is this: You should love your neighbour as yourself.” Love for God is not just an inner feeling; it is expressed in concrete love for people.
Today, we are called to put love into action. It is less about what we feel or say, and more about the choices we make. When we show up for someone who is lonely, listen without judgment, forgive rather than hold on to resentment, and share our time and resources with those in need, we show love. In these small, concrete actions, whether at home, at work, or on the streets, we make our love for God visible.
Reflective question:
What is one small way I can show love today to someone specific, as my response to God’s love for me?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
