FRIDAY, TWENTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of the Queenship of the Bl. Virgin Mary
Ru 1:1,3-6,14-16,22 Ps 146:5-10 Mt 22:34-40
LOVE: A COMMITMENT TO OBEY HIM
Jesus’ summary of the law consists of two commandments that encourage love of God and love of neighbour. The first commandment, called the Shema, is found in Deuteronomy 6:5 9, while the second commandment is a quotation from Leviticus 19:18. This response proves His fidelity to the Jewish tradition and His commitment to a spirituality that emphasizes what is essential. The first commandment defines love as understood by Jesus, a love that characterizes God’s relationship with us. It is this love that makes possible a wholehearted response to Him, which then overflows into our relationships with others. Love of God; that is, a commitment to listen to His Word and obey His will, enables a love for others that transcends natural affection, convenience, and self-interest. Indeed, love for others is the test of the authenticity of one’s love for God.
In today’s first reading, we encounter Ruth, who comes to love God through the love she experienced from her mother-in-law, Naomi. Orpah chose to return home; by human standards, her decision was reasonable. But Ruth went beyond reasonableness. She ventured past human expectations and calculations of what was safe or proper. She embodied the spirit of Abraham, who made a similar leap of faith. Ruth’s selfless devotion to Naomi and her God brought immeasurable divine blessings. She rose above her circumstances to fulfil God’s will. Her words to Naomi – “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God – demonstrate her faithfulness to the commandment of love.
Today, the Church honours Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her queenship is the reward for her faithfulness to God’s plan. Let us ask the Lord for the grace to listen to His Word and obey His will, so that we too may fulfil the commandment of love in our daily lives.
Response: My soul, give praise to the Lord!
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