Called to Radical Love: Drawing Closer to God and Neighbour

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: November 03, 2024

Readings: Deuteronomy 6:2–6; Psalm 18:2–4, 47, 51; Hebrews 7:23–28; Mark 12:28–34

As we gather on this 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are mindful that November holds a special place in our Catholic tradition—a time dedicated to remembering and praying for our beloved departed. The Church invites us to renew our trust in God’s promise of eternal life while reflecting on our own journey towards holiness. In today's readings, we are reminded of God’s unwavering love and mercy, even amidst our human frailties. May this reflection help us seek God more earnestly and extend our prayers for those who have gone before us, so that they may rest in His eternal peace.

1. God's presence through the act of love

In Mark 12:28–34, Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment, and He responds with a profound yet simple truth: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. It is nothing but a total, undivided love for God. This isn’t merely a feeling or a duty; it’s a whole-hearted devotion that touches every part of who we are—our thoughts, desires, actions, and intentions. It is a continual choosing of God above all else. God's presence must permeate not only our prayers but our relationships, our work, our decisions, and the way we spend our time. 

Love for God with love for neighbour extends beyond feelings of warmth and goodwill; it’s a call to action. Loving our neighbour as ourselves requires compassion, forgiveness, patience, and humility. It compels us to see each person as beloved by God, regardless of their background, beliefs, or behaviour. We are called to care for others not out of obligation but because they, too, are images of God. 

2. Let God be the center of our lives

In the Gospel of Mark 12:28–34, the call to live by the law of love resonates deeply.  Love is not just an aspect of our faith but the essence of God's Law and the path to which Christ calls us. Just as God loves us completely, we are invited to reciprocate by loving Him with our undivided hearts and by sharing this love with our neighbours.

In our daily lives, it’s easy to let other loves—ambition, comfort, or even relationships—compete for our devotion. Yet, today’s readings encourage us to reflect honestly: Is God at the center of our hearts, guiding our actions and desires? Just as Christ loved without reservation, sacrificing Himself on the Cross, we are invited to embody this love in our own lives, even when it calls us to selflessness and service.

3. Let the radical love transform 

Moreover, Jesus challenges us to love not only those who are close to us but even those who oppose or challenge us. Through this radical love, we draw closer to God's kingdom. When we forgive, show kindness to strangers, or respond patiently in times of conflict, we fulfill the heart of the Law that Jesus exemplified. Therefore, we must build a personal relationship with God through prayer, scripture, or gratitude. We must have also greater openness and kindness toward those around us, instead of judgments, resentments, or indifference. 

Let us, then, ask for the grace to be single-hearted in our love for God and steadfast in our love for others. In doing so, we step toward the heavenly kingdom and mirror God’s love to a world that longs for His presence. May we live out this divine love in every thought, word, and action, making our lives a continuous offering to Him.

Questions for self-reflection

1. Is God truly the center of my life? Do I seek Him with my whole being, or do I allow other pursuits to crowd my devotion?
2. Do we love others as Jesus has loved us? 
3. Do we love our enemies and pray for those who oppose and persecute us?

Prayer based on Psalm 18

O Lord, my strength and my shield, You are my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. In You alone, I find refuge and peace, for You rescue me from all my fears and enemies.

Blessed are You, my God and my Savior, for You lift me up in my weakness and guide my steps. Show Your steadfast love to all who call upon You, and grant victory to those who trust in Your name. In Your mercy, be near to us always, our shield, our stronghold, our salvation. We make this prayer in Jesus' holy name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

November 01, 2024