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)
Can we hear the silence? Crickets. No wonder no one dared ask any more questions! Jesus’ answers were not what many of the scribes likely expected. Burnt offerings and sacrifices no longer the first priority for acquiring God’s favor?! “Who is this Jesus?” they must have asked.
How many of us prefer burnt offerings (such as lit candles) and sacrifices (such as Lenten “sacrifices” like chocolate, liquor, or TV shows) rather than the real deal? Loving the Lord our God with all our soul, heart, mind, and strength is a great commandment to which few of us can ever hold. We may try, but every-day living and temptations distract us away from God. Social media certainly does!
Loving our neighbors like ourselves also is a great commandment, but some “neighbors” are beyond the pale! [Oops! I’m of English descent. According to the dictionary: The Pale was the name given to an area of Ireland under English rule and those outside that area were considered uncivilized aka 'beyond the pale'. This is a phrase that is only used with raised eyebrows in Ireland and certainly feels inappropriate, if not offensive, coming from an English person.]
Nevertheless, if not love, then certainly respect and consideration should be the norm. Dare we ask Jesus any more questions?
Deacon David Pierce
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