First Reading: Dt 6:2-6; Psalm: 18. R. v. 2; Second Reading: Heb 7:23-28; Gospel: Mk 12:28b-34

“YOU ARE NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM OF GOD”

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

I have good news for us today. The scribe who came to Jesus in our gospel reading of today is unlike other scribes whose intent is often to attack or to trap Jesus. But this man was different and only wanted an answer to a much-debated question among the scribes – “Which is the greatest of all the commandments?” But this is not the good news.

This scribe appears to have an idea of the answer to his question and only needed affirmation from Jesus to consolidate his knowledge of the law. Hence, in reply to Jesus he said, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he; and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbour as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (vv. 32-33). But this also is not the good news.

This scribe is a perfect portrayal of us who even before this gospel was read at this Mass already knew the greatest of all the commandments but only needed Jesus to remind us of it and to strengthen our faith to keep it. But again, this is not the good news. What then is the good news today?

When Jesus saw how wisely the scribe reaffirmed his answer, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” That is the good news. You and I are not far from the kingdom of God because we know what it takes to be there. We know the requirements and we have heard it once again today: Love God and love your neighbour.

In the course of any journey, if we are ignorant of the route to our place of destination, we are pretty far away from reaching there. Our knowledge of the route to our place of destination makes our journey easy, simple and close. Knowing the turns in the course of any journey gives us direction and puts us on the right track. But in the final analysis, it boils down to our decision to follow that way that we know is right. This illustration perfectly explains the good news of today.

The love of God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and the love of one’s neighbour as oneself is simply the compass to heaven. To know this puts us in the right direction. So, invariably we are all in the right direction. We are all not far from the kingdom of God because we have the compass. We know where to turn and where not to turn; what to do and what not to do. This really is good news. But today’s message is not really about knowing the right way but walking the right way. It is one thing to know the way but entirely a different thing to follow it.

A sermon may be well prepared, beautifully delivered, and exceedingly inspiring; but the preacher may not move a finger to do the least of the content of his homily. We may be punctual at Mass, sit by the front pew, pay keen attention to the readings and listen to every detail of the homily but still choose not to do any of the things we have heard. A leader may know the dos and don’ts of good leadership, and what do to improve the condition of the people but still choose to be a selfish and an exploitative leader. So, knowing the right thing isn’t just enough; doing it is often the challenge.

As simple as the love of God and the love of neighbour sounds; we have proven time and again that living it out isn’t that simple. Or better put, we have made it look like a mountainous task. Oftentimes, little things are what cost us greater things. Something as little as making a decision, saying a word, extending a kind gesture or letting go can cost us the kingdom of God. Pride will not allow us to serve or to say, “I’m sorry” and ask forgiveness. Selfishness can blindfold us from loving and seeing the needs of others. Resentment can hold us down from forgiving and healing. Hate can turn us to a bitter and a hostile person. These vices and a lot more are not innate. They are learned behaviours that we can unlearn for a greater goal. And it will be a shame if they cost us the kingdom of God that we all seek.

So, today we need to reflect on what exactly are the things that can make us veer off the path of love of God and neighbour. It is important to know them so as to avoid them lest they push us farther away from the kingdom of God. The good news that we are not far from the kingdom of God is not enough to take us there. We need to walk the talk. We need to be loving, charitable and forgiving. We need to be humble, considerate and kind. We need to go further than the scribe to follow the path that Christ has shown us. The love of God and neighbour is like the sun emitting light and heat simultaneously. They go hand in hand. When we love our neighbour that we can see, we prove that we love God whom we cannot see (4Jn 4:20).

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, we pray for the grace to follow the path of love that leads to your kingdom. Amen.