October 31, 2021 Sunday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time-B

Deuteronomy 6:2-6

Psalm 18

Hebrews 7:23-28

Mark 12:28-34

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…Mk.12:30

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Mk. 12:31

Lord, the scribe who asked you about the first of all the commandments was very familiar with the two parts of your answer.  What was maybe new to him was how you linked them together. It’s really quite simple:  We are to love God with all our heart, love our neighbor and love ourselves. You wanted us to know that the law of love has many faces. We are called to love our Father who we cannot see by loving our neighbor who we can see. And on top of that we must regard ourselves with the same dignity and respect that you have for each of your children. How different our world would be if we followed this commandment which you have given us to the fullest. Lord, I ask your forgiveness for the times I have not loved you as your precious child. I beg your pardon for the many people I have chosen not to treat as I want to be treated. I also have not always respected myself. Lord, be my rock, my strength and my deliverer. Place within my heart the grace I need to love you, other people and myself.  Amen.