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And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to
him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to
ask him any more questions. Mark 12:34
Among the scribes and Pharisees, the scribe in today’s Gospel
stands out. He got it right, and Jesus praised him for his openness
and understanding. The scribe began by asking Jesus a question:
“Which is the first of all the commandments?” At that time, the
scribes and Pharisees often debated the question of which
commandments were most important. From the Torah, the first five
books of the Old Testament, they derived 613 commandments. Among
them were the Ten Commandments and numerous ceremonial and civil
laws by which they were to abide. Some religious leaders taught
that all 613 of the commandments were equally important. In
addition to these commandments, rabbinic traditions also offered
detailed commentary on how they were to be fulfilled.
Jesus enters this debate and answers by quoting the Shema from
Deuteronomy 6:4–5 and Leviticus 19:18: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord
our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all
your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all
your strength” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
These two commandments were clear articulations of the most central
duties to which we are called—love of God and love of neighbor.
Furthermore, they were a twofold summary of the Ten Commandments,
the most important of the Old Testament Laws.
While many scribes and Pharisees were scrupulous about keeping the
external law in a detailed and ritualistic manner, they often
failed to perceive and live its central meaning. Jesus clarifies
this meaning in His concise answer. He does not dismiss the
importance of God’s many commandments but highlights their central
purpose. The ritualistic laws and moral commandments, while
essential, are ultimately means to an end; they direct us to love.
Jesus shows that love of God and neighbor is the true fulfillment
of the Law, uniting both aspects into one comprehensive commandment
that sums up everything God asks of us.
Jesus was not rejecting the necessity of the commandments
themselves but was emphasizing that their observance must flow from
the heart. God’s Law is not just about external compliance but
about cultivating a heart transformed by love. The laws and rituals
of faith, such as fasting in Lent, attending Sunday Mass, and going
to Confession, have their rightful place in our spiritual lives.
They shape us and help keep us close to God. However, we must
always remember their deeper purpose: They are meant to foster a
greater charity for God and others. Without that charity, even the
most rigorous external observances can become empty.
Reflect today on how obedient you are to God’s Law. Most
importantly, ponder the depth of charity you have. True charity
toward God and neighbor will enable us to fulfill all external
observance of God’s Law, but it will not stop there. There is no
limit to love. We can always increase it. We must increase it.
Charity, while requiring our active cooperation, ultimately flows
from God’s grace working within us. Without His grace, our efforts
to love are incomplete. If we understand this and seek to love with
all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, then, like this scribe,
Jesus will say to us, “You are not far from the Kingdom of
Heaven.”
My loving Lord, You call us to love You with all our heart,
mind, soul, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. You
fulfilled this commandment perfectly, and You promise us the grace
to do the same. Help me to obey every detail of Your divine will
and grant me the Gift of Understanding so that I will understand
and live Your Law in the way You intend. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: The Scribe Stood to Tempt Jesus by James Tissot
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