Skeleton Key

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” 

The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 

And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions. (Mark 12:28-34)

Dare I?  Jesus, I have questions.  If I’m kind to my neighbor, can I still get in?   Is kindness a form of love?  If I don’t love myself because I’m just okay, is the door to the Kingdom closed?  Are there different sized needles?

Doesn’t your first question imply I must be perfect, and I’m certainly not; therefore, is the Kingdom always just out of reach?  Jesus, why such a high bar for an entrance pass?

Can I at least sneak in the back door if I have forgiven those who have hurt me, and I ask forgiveness for the harm I have done to others and myself?

I guess I’ll simply hope for the best and rely on God’s mercy – the skeleton key to that door to the Kingdom we all hope to open.

Deacon David Pierce