TODAY’S MEDITATION – God’s Laws are not burdensome to follow when we understand them (Mark 12:28-31)

A historian counted about 613 Laws that the Jews had accumulated and that had to be observed without distinction between major or minor laws. In today’s passage, Jesus is asked a question and his answer summarised all of God’s laws. My brother, my sister, Jesus shows us that God’s laws are not burdensome. They can be reduced to two simple principles: Love God and love others!

In our societies, today we are told that we have to love ourselves first, serve ourselves first, take care of ourselves first… However, the principles of the Kingdom of God are different… Namely, these commandments that Jesus is giving us stem from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18), thus showing us that God does not change despite the evolution of our civilisations or societies.

Yes, when you truly love God and care for others as you care for yourself, then you have fulfilled the intent of the Ten Commandments as well as the other Old Testament laws. What Jesus is teaching us in this passage is that these two commandments summarise God’s laws. Therefore, let them rule your thoughts, decisions and actions. My friend, when you are uncertain about what to do, ask yourself which course of action best demonstrates your love for God and your love for others. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.