Mark 12:28–34
One
of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing
that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of
all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the
Lord is one; you shall 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, 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.' There is no other
commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right,
Teacher; you have truly said that 'he is one, and besides him there is no
other'; and 'to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding,
and with all the strength,' and 'to love one's neighbour as oneself,' --this is
much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus
saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him
any question.
Reflection
The scribe was not satisfied with the ordinary
arguments that other scribes put forward to Jesus. He wanted to know what was the best from
Jesus so he asked
“Which commandment is the first of all?” What best do I want from Jesus in my prayer
today?
Jesus’ answer not only satisfied the scribe but
also pointed him to the right direction.
What does Jesus’ answer to my prayer pointing me to?