Thursday of week 9 in Ordinary Time
Saint Norbert, Bishop
Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass
________
First reading
2 Timothy 2:8-15
The word of God is not chained. If we have died with Christ, we shall also live with him.
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.
Commentary
In 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Paul encourages Timothy to stay steadfast in faith, endure hardships, and rightly handle God's word. These verses provide essential guidance for living a faithful Christian life.
Remember Jesus Christ
Paul urges Timothy to keep Jesus Christ at the forefront, emphasizing His resurrection and lineage from David. This reminder underscores the core truths of the faith.
Endure Hardship for the Gospel
Paul shares his own sufferings for the Gospel, noting that while he is imprisoned, God's word is not bound. He endures everything for the sake of the elect, highlighting the importance of perseverance.
The Faithful Sayings
Paul recites a saying that outlines key Christian beliefs: dying with Christ leads to life, enduring leads to reigning, denying Him leads to His denial, but He remains faithful even when we are faithless.
Avoid Quarreling Over Words
Paul instructs Timothy to avoid meaningless disputes that do not promote spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of edifying discussions.
Rightly Handle the Word of Truth
Paul encourages Timothy to be diligent and correctly handle God's word, stressing the need for accurate teaching and faithful living.
2 Timothy 2:8-15 reminds Christians to focus on Jesus, endure hardships, avoid meaningless disputes, and handle God's word correctly. These instructions are vital for maintaining a faithful witness.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word. Help us to remember Jesus Christ, endure hardships with faith, avoid unedifying disputes, and rightly handle Your truth. May our lives bring glory to Your name. Amen.
________
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14
Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
he teaches the humble his way.
Teach me your ways, O Lord.
All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy
toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,
and his covenant, for their instruction.
Teach me your ways, O Lord.
________
Gospel Acclamation
see 2 Timothy 1:10
Alleluia, alleluia.
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death
and brought life to light through the Gospel.
Alleluia, alleluia.
________
Gospel
Mark 12:28-34
There is no commandment greater than these.
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.
Commentary
In Mark 12:28-34, Jesus answers a scribe's question about the greatest commandment, summarizing the essence of the Law and the Prophets. His response emphasizes the foundational principles of loving God and loving others.
The Question
A scribe asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest. This question is significant as it seeks to distill the essence of the Law.
Love God
Jesus responds that the foremost commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. This comprehensive love for God is central to Jewish and Christian faith.
Love Your Neighbor
Jesus adds that the second commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. This highlights the inseparable connection between loving God and loving others.
Greater Than Sacrifices
The scribe agrees with Jesus, noting that loving God and neighbor is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. This underscores the priority of genuine love over ritualistic practices.
Jesus’ Approval
Jesus commends the scribe for his wise understanding, stating that he is not far from the kingdom of God. This affirmation points to the heart of true faith and righteousness.
Mark 12:28-34 teaches that the greatest commandments are to love God fully and love others as ourselves. These principles are foundational to living a life that pleases God and reflects His kingdom values.
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us the greatest commandments. Help us to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbours as ourselves. Guide us to live out these truths daily, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.
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Saint John-Mary Vianney (1786-1859)
priest, curΓ© of Ars
Sermon on the 9th Sunday after Pentecost
"You will love the Lord your God with all your soul"
God has instilled our souls with desires which find their gratification not in this world. Give a soul all the joys and treasures of this world, and it will not be satisfied, for the simple reason that God has created the soul for Himself. He alone is capable of satisfying its longings.
Yes, my friends, our soul is capable of loving God, and the love of God alone forms its happiness. If we love Him, all the good and the pleasures which we could ever hope for on earth or in heaven, are ours. We are furthermore enabled to serve God, that is, to glorify Him in our works and actions. There is nothing, down to the most insignificant action, by which it would not be possible for us to glorify the Lord, provided we perform this action out of love for Him. Our occupations upon earth are different from the occupation of the angels in heaven only inasmuch as we can not as yet behold the Lord with our human eyes, but only with the eyes of faith.
“O body, how happy thou art!” exclaims St. Bernard, “to harbor a soul which is adorned with such beautiful graces!” Our soul is something so great, so precious, that nothing but God alone surpasses it.
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