November 5, 2006 - Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time B

November 5, 2006 : Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time


Reading I: Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Responsorial Psalm: 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
Reading II: Hebrews 7:23-28
Gospel: Mark 12:28b-34

Key words and phrases from the Gospel: love God, love neighbor as yourself, not far from the kingdom of God

To the point: No one draws near to God's kingdom by simply quoting the commandments. Instead, the way into the kingdom is through love of God and neighbor. When we live these commandments rather than simply quote them, we, too, hear Jesus say to each of us, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

Connecting the Gospel to the first reading: The two great commandments arise from Israel's confession of faith: "The LORD is our God, the LORD alone" Because we believe, we love.
Connecting the Gospel to culture: Despite what much of the entertainment industry projects, love is not self-absorbed but other-centered, not transient but the enduring hallmark of all Christian faith and living.

Understanding Scripture:
The greatest commandment: The Lectionary at this point omits Mark 11:1-12:28 which deals with his arrival in Jerusalem. Only one passage from this section is proclaimed on Sunday (the entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday) while the rest of the passage is read on weekdays.

This Sunday's passage, which takes place in Jerusalem, is a fitting summary statement near the end both of Jesus' public ministry in the Gospel of Mark and as an approaching finale to the liturgical year.

So important is this discussion between Jesus and the scribe that it is found in all three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and is proclaimed in all three liturgical years.

The three gospels agree that the greatest commandment is actually a combination of two passages from the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:4 and Leviticus 19:18. The linking of these two commandments is found in other ancient writings which may be earlier than the gospels and is, therefore, not unique to Jesus nor does it seem to originate with him.

Mark's version has two distinctive features. (1) Only in Mark does Jesus begin his quotation of the Law with the Shema, "Hear, O Israel . . ." (found in this Sunday's first reading).

The inclusion of the Shema roots the observance of these great commandments in the primary affirmation of Israel's confession of faith: The LORD alone is God. Thus, faith finds its fulfillment in the love of God, neighbor, and self: because we believe, we love.

(2) The second distinctive feature is found in the conclusion. The scribe observes that keeping these commandments far surpasses the offering of sacrifice. In response Jesus tells the scribe that he is not far from the kingdom of God.

Though Jesus approves the scribe's insight that love is more desirable than sacrifice, love and sacrifice should not be seen in conflict with one another, for on the cross the love of Jesus attains its most perfect expression in sacrifice.

For disciples, then and now, the greatest commandment not only sums up the life and teaching of Jesus, it identifies the path of discipleship as the way of love.

Opening: One Spirit, One Church
CCM Opening: Lord Reign In Me
Ps: I Love You Lord(ss2-411)
Offertory: Come To the Water(CC-400)
Com 1: We Have Been Told(cc-460)
Com 2: The Cry of the Poor
Closing: You are Worthy of My Praise(see sheet)