I ponder the scribe’s intentions when he asks Jesus, ‘Which is the first of all commandments?’ After failed attempts by others to entrap Jesus with questions about Rome’s taxes or life after death, the scribe delved into the heart of God’s revelation to the Israelites. Was Jesus merely a shrewd deceiver, or did he truly comprehend God’s revelation to the learned of the Jewish faith? It’s undeniable that Jesus’ response was not only astute but also revealed that the scribe was on the brink of understanding the full revelation of the kingdom. ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength,’ Jesus proclaimed.

Is this the path to the long-sought Kingdom of God? This is the path to the kingdom that only God’s son could reveal. No wonder those trying to embarrass Jesus in front of the crowds stopped asking him questions.

Jesus did not take that opportunity to put down those who were trying to do the same to him. Instead, he encouraged the scribe to go further by pointing to the second of all commandments, to love others as yourself.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard, in his contemplation of the sacrament of the Eucharist, pondered these commandments. How could he dedicate his entire mind and soul to loving God? His answer was to surrender his entire being to God and to consider the needs of the people of his time, both physical and spiritual. Saint Eymard’s life is a testament to the profound transformation that can occur through the sacrament of the Eucharist, revealing the immense riches it holds.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, during his public life in Galilee and Judea, your dear son went about doing good and preaching the coming reign of God. May we listen to him with open ears as we focus our attention on his personal presence in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. (from A Prayer Book for Eucharistic Adoration).