The Love to Which We Are Called

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2018 4:57 pm Post subject: The Love to Which We Are Called

The Love to Which We Are Called

Scripture:

[Moses spoke to the people, saying:] That you may fear the Lord your God, and keep all his commandments and precepts, which I command you, and your sons, and your grandsons, all the days of your life, that your days may be prolonged. Hear, O Israel, and observe to do the things which the Lord has commanded you, that it may be well with you, and you may be greatly multiplied, as the Lord the God of your fathers has promised you a land flowing with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, and with your whole soul, and with your whole strength. And these words which I command you this day, shall be in your heart:
(Deuteronomy 6:2-6)

And the others indeed were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue: But this, for that he continues for ever, has an everlasting priesthood: Whereby he is able also to save for ever them that come to God by him; always living to make intercession for us. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens: Who needs not daily (as the other priests) to offer sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people: for this he did once, in offering himself. For the law makes men priests, who have infirmity: but the word of the oath (which was since the law) the Son who is perfected for evermore.
( Hebrews 7:23-28 )

And there came one of the scribes that had heard them reasoning together, and seeing that he had answered them well, asked him which was the first commandment of all. And Jesus answered him: The first commandment of all is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord your God is one God. And you shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like to it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said to him: Well, Master, you have said in truth that there is one God and there is no other besides him. And that he should be loved with the whole heart and with the whole understanding and with the whole soul and with the whole strength. And to love your neighbor as yourself is a greater thing than all holocausts and sacrifices. And Jesus seeing that he had answered wisely, said to him: you are not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that dared ask him any question.
(Mark 12:28-34)

Reflection:

There are those who struggle with the concept of God. Though He surrounds us, they fail to find Him, for the world blinds them to all the blessings He brings and the many wonderful ways He works within our lives. They fail to observe the ways He nudges them to what is right and just for they are blinded by worldly desires.

Some deny God because they fear being held accountable to what He asks of us. His commandments are too much, they claim, but should we examine them, they simply call us to do no harm and to share the blessings of love. If we look at the ills of the world, we should note that they often come as we fail to follow His commandments and what was taught through His Angels, prophets, and His only begotten Son.

So many times we debate what is right and just, but why do we debate? Is it because we are blind to what is good? Is it because evil yields blessings? His commandments show us the way. How is it so many are slow to comprehend?

To provide us an example by which we might see all which is good, God sent the Word made flesh; His only begotten Son. For a time He walked among the people and taught the meaning of His Word; love. From upon the cross, He demonstrated His love for all the children of His creation and across all the generations. (cf John 15:13)

Some who heard Him attempted to test and debate Him. Jesus responded with the full context of the Word of God, so those who listened would not be deceived by those who speak that which is partial. He taught the blessings we may share if we share His commandments of love. Many were amazed at the soundness and wisdom of His teaching. Still, so many turn away because their hearts are more willing to embrace deception rather than truth.

The first desire of our Creator is to share the blessings of love. He calls us to love Him so He may dwell within us and lead us. When we comprehend the blessings He desires for us to share, we see what could be if we allow it to be.

The generations have produced those who receive Him, but it has also produced many who turn away. The evils of the world rise when love wanes. If we turn to His light, the light of love, then, we reduce what is in darkness. When we turn away from His light, we only need look to the news to see the result.

As we travel our days, we have a choice; the choice to encourage others as we share the blessings of love or to allow the darkness. Let us, then, reach out to one another with the civility and kindness to which we are called. Let us reach out, not only by our words, but, more importantly, by our deeds. In prayer, let us ask Him to guide us in what we may do to help turn away the darkness and spread the warmth of His light.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways do we reveal our love of God?

In what ways do we endeavor to follow the teachings of the only begotten Son of God?

What are the blessings we share as we share in love of God and one another?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier