Reading 1
2 Tm 2:8-15
Beloved:
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David:
such is my Gospel, for which I am suffering,
even to the point of chains, like a criminal.
But the word of God is not chained.
Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,
so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus,
together with eternal glory.
This saying is trustworthy:
If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
if we persevere
we shall also reign with him.
But if we deny him
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.
Remind people of these things
and charge them before God to stop disputing about words.
This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.
Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God,
a workman who causes no disgrace,
imparting the word of truth without deviation.
Gospel
Mk 12: 28-34
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,
“Which is the first of all the commandments?”
Jesus replied, “The first is this:
Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
The second is this:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these.”
The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher.
You are right in saying,
He is One and there is no other than he.
And to love him with all your heart,
with all your understanding,
with all your strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself
is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding,
he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Meditation: Mark 12:28-34
You are not far from the kingdom of God. (Mark 12:34)
It’s just like Mark to shine a glimmer of hope in the midst of an atmosphere of conflict and animosity. He had just devoted the past two chapters to describing how Jesus, having just arrived in Jerusalem to a hero’s welcome, had to deal with opposition from so many Pharisees, Sadducees, and Jewish elders. It seemed like a never-ending parade of loaded questions, subtle traps, and twisted meanings as his foes tried to find some way to discredit and eliminate him. But then, at the very end, when Jesus was probably worn down from all the conflict, a scribe appeared on the scene and asked a sincere question from a humble heart: “Which is the first of all the commandments?” (Mark 12:28).
Rather than try to trick Jesus, this man simply wanted to know how to understand God’s word and the best way to live it out. Jesus saw his sincerity and answered in kind, showing how love for God comes before all else—even before sacrificial offerings and dutiful observances.
The contrast couldn’t have been greater. All of Jesus’ previous questioners were “far from the kingdom of God” because they came to him with ulterior motives. They weren’t interested in listening to his answers or trying to understand his teachings. They already had their minds made up and were not open to hearing anything different. But this scribe came to Jesus with humility and openness. He listened carefully and responded enthusiastically. And of all the members of Israel’s religious elite, he was the only one Jesus commended.
How about you? How do you approach Jesus, whether at Mass or in your prayer? Have you heard him reassure you lately? Have you felt his comforting presence telling you that you are not far from the kingdom of God? Try to follow the example of this scribe today. Come to Jesus humbly, eager to learn what he wants to teach you. If you seek him, if you quiet your mind and try to listen, you will find him. And finding him, you will find his kingdom as well!
“Father, give me a heart like this scribe. Give me the humility and the sincerity to seek you and your grace so that I can live in your kingdom forever.”
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