Love is all you need!
On this 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, we encounter an exchange between
Jesus and a scribe who asks, “Which is the first of all the commandments?”
Jesus responds that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart,
soul, mind, and strength. He then adds the second commandment: to love our
neighbor as ourselves. This dual commandment reveals a central principle of our
faith: the inseparability of our love for God and our love for others.
Jesus’ response illustrates that these commandments are two interconnected
aspects of a single principle, completing and complementing the other. To love
God wholly cannot exist in isolation; it must be expressed through our actions
towards those around us. This teaching prompts us to reflect on how we actively
love God and live out our faith daily by acts of love towards others.
We live in a world that often prioritizes self-interest and division. The call to
love our neighbor is not just important; it is crucial, urging us to break down
barriers and foster connections. It invites us to see beyond our own needs and to
engage with the realities of others, whether they are friends, family, or strangers.
This love manifests in various forms: acts of kindness, compassion, and a
commitment to justice. It is a call to serve, listen, and act in ways that uplift those
around us, and it is a call that cannot wait.
As we reflect on these commandments, we also recognize their relevance in
light of the upcoming election on November 5th. Regardless of our political
affiliations, we are called to approach the election with love and prayer. Prayer is
not just a personal act but a powerful tool for shaping the future of our nation. As
we prepare to vote, let us commit to praying for our leaders, whoever they may
be. Our prayers should focus on wisdom, guidance, and the strength to serve the
common good. This act of love transcends political divides; it acknowledges our
shared humanity and the complexities of leadership. It reminds us that our
responsibility does not end with the election but continues as we support our
leaders in their endeavors to serve our nation.
Dear brothers and sisters, this Sunday’s readings urge us to live out the
commandments of love in every facet of our lives. As we approach Election Day,
may we commit to loving our neighbors through our actions, prayers, and
attitudes. Let us pray for our country and its leaders, fostering a spirit of unity and
compassion. Amid political differences, let us remember that love calls us to
unity, not division. May God bless us and our nation, the United States of
America.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor