Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" (Mt. 22:36)

This is the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Christ emphasizes that love for God and neighbor matters above all. Tradition says St. John the Evangelist repeated this truth over and over. When questioned why he didn't change themes, he said it was simply what the Lord desired.

We live in a world that appears to have forgotten the golden rule. There is a famous Norman Rockwell painting that depicts a group of diverse Americans (by gender, ethnicity, and religion) all facing one direction with the words "love thy neighbor as thyself" at the bottom. It's time for the people of God to unite and show the world that love is stronger than hate and light casts out darkness.

Questions for Reflection:

• Do I see Christ in each person?
• Do I consider every person God places in my path my neighbor?
• Am I willing to listen more to others out of respect and charity?