Gospel – Matthew 22: 34-40

After Jesus had made the Sadducees look foolish,
the Pharisees heard about it and got together.
One of them was an expert in the Jewish Law.
So he tried to test Jesus by asking,
“Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?”
Jesus answered:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’
This is the first and most important commandment.
The second most important commandment is like this one.
And it is, ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’
All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets
are based on these two commandments.”

Reflection on the Sunday Gospel

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God…

I absolutely love the way Jesus defies the Sadducees in the temple.  So very simple and casual, yet this message is like shots fired around the world.  Sure enough, we hear these two “Laws” as the “Golden Rule”.  Easily the toughest part about listening and understanding this is by putting actions into every day practice.  Is it safe to say we all fall short and that is ok, because we are not perfect.  But more often than not, our intentions, as good they may be, get the best of us.  Struggles in every day life often find me questioning what is going on in the Lord’s eyes.  Working with kids who have suffered inhumanly their entire lives make me question how one of them can truly love the Lord because of what has happened to them.  Nobody deserves to suffer as Jesus did…that also goes for the kids at La Salle School.

It is safe to say most of the people that will read what few words I have to say deal with their own sufferings, but we must recall that it has been preached to love each other and love the Lord.  All these struggles sometimes seem unreal, but that is what makes our lives unique and special as each of us has been given a great opportunity to love the Lord and each other.  The opportunity is within reach, we all just need to find the courage and passion to believe that we are the difference.  The struggle that ensues can only be conquered through prayer and kindness.  Kill them with kindness this week and I guarantee your prayers will continue to be answered as mine have. God bless always, and continue, to “be the change you wish to see in the world.” Service Has No Borders.

Mr. Matthew Halick
La Salle School

St. John Baptist De La Salle…Pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts…Forever.