Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

March 13, 2026

A significant shift was about to take place when a teacher of the Law asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus does not answer with a commandment but instead offers the daily prayer called the Shema, Hear, Israel, the Lord, our God, is One Lord; and you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. He is quick to add, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no commandment greater than these.

Pause for a moment and ask yourself, when you examine your conscience, do you look to the commandments for transgressions or to the behavior of your heart and deeds of love? The heart moves us to reflect on our interior life, the center of our personality, and our true self before God. The soul refers to the energy of life that animates us and enables us to make choices and commitments to God and others.

Love is a decision to build trusting relationships. A mind rooted in prayer comes to know God in all things. Decisions are made with discernment. The heart seeks the greater good to cultivate a loving union with all life. The strength comes from God, who can accomplish what is beyond our own capacities.

We are called into the presence of God to be still and receptive to the silent voice of God. God speaks in the silence to the listening heart. Prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament intensifies the intimacy of closeness. Saint Peter Julian realized, “Joy, contentment, happiness, would be your natural state if you live a little more in the goodness of God, if you remain in his love.” (PS 301.4) A Thought for Every Day, page 28.

Let Us Pray:

Pour the energy of your Spirit upon your servants, All Holy One. Having been called to be in your presence for a time of intimacy, we may bring your love to the ends of the earth. Amen.