Is it human nature to overthink everything, or is it just me?

Both of our readings today remind us to “get back to the basics” and not over-complicate the spiritual life. In our first reading today, St. Paul urges us to “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead…such is my Gospel…” (2 Timothy 2:8). Paul is essentially saying, “This is all that really matters.” This one truth gives Paul the ability to endure every hardship and trial by keeping his eye on the prize: Jesus Christ, our resurrected Savior. And that singular focus manifests itself in sacrificial (Eucharistic) love: “Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus…”

Jesus teaches us a similar lesson in our Gospel today. He basically boils the entire 613 commandments of the Torah down to two simple ones: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself. St. Thomas Aquinas reminds us, “To love is to will the good of the other,” and Saint Augustine puts it this way, “Love and do what you will.” If we were truly to love God and neighbor, the right behavior would follow. The motivation and inspiration of love would carry us through every situation.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard defined the Eucharist as the “supreme proof” of Jesus’ love, saying, “After this, there is nothing more than Heaven itself.”

Can it get any simpler than that?

Let Us Pray:

Heavenly Father, please guide me in your way, accepting my strengths and weaknesses, and being compassionate toward others. Remind me that I have a purpose as your child to love you and love others. Please show me specific ways to follow my purpose today, and to be Eucharist for others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.