Mark 12 : 28 - 34
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
“Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more question.
REFLECTIONS:
Thoughts from Jess:
The most important thing is all summed up in loving God and loving people. All the rules, proper ways of living, practices, sacrifices and laws of this Religion are really love and relational practices that think of everyone one around you. Jesus is inviting us to give all that we are for the community.
So it is not about going to religious events and temples, or washing the proper way, or the right prayers or any of the things people believe they must do to live rightly. The Kingdom of God is all about our relational interactions. Do we love and make choices that benefit others? Do we show love for God by how we treat others? Do we not make it all about ourselves all the time?
With a social media impersonalized and polarized culture, it's hard to remember to take into account the feelings, thoughts, needs and lives of others around us. It is much easier to write someone off who does not do it the way you do or think the way you think. The real work is relating. God has always desired that his kingdom be one about love and mutuality. We can know and love God and others as we are known and loved by God and others. To live rightly is to live among in love.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
Think of someone who likely feels like you see him/her as a vehicle. What changes do you need to make in this situation?
Non-Violent Communication Question of the Week
Who is the best you know at naming what they need in relationship? What can you learn from them about communication your own needs to others?
Pathways toward Centeredness
Slowly and deliberately walk though places of work today for the purpose of really seeing people. As you observe and listen, think on how the people you see influence the people around them. What can you learn from them?
Questions for Reflection
Do you believe that love in relationships is the most important thing we can do for a community of peace? Why or why not?
What can you do today to show love in your community?
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.
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