Works of Jesus

 

"The works 

that the Father 

gave me to accomplish, 

these works that I perform 

testify on my behalf that 

the Father has sent me." 

(John 5:36)

Jesus speaks about the witnesses that testify to His authority and mission. He acknowledges that if He were to testify about Himself without external validation, it wouldn't be credible. His testimony is supported by the witness of John the Baptist, His works, God the Father, and the Scriptures.

Those who truly seek God will recognize Jesus through the Scriptures and the works He performs. Jesus tells the religious leaders that the very Scriptures they study point to Him, yet they fail to accept Him. We should approach the Word of God with an open heart and a desire to truly understand its message.

Many people are more concerned with receiving honor from others rather than seeking the truth that comes from God. This serves as a reminder for us to prioritize divine truth over worldly recognition.

Overall, Jesus encourages us to trust the evidence given by God, focus on seeking His truth rather than human praise, and recognize Him as the fulfillment of Scripture.

The works I do, they shine with grace, 

A witness strong, a holy trace. 

Each step I take, each word I say, 

Reveals the Father's guiding way.

His hands have shaped the path I tread, 

His voice, the truth my heart has spread. 

Not mine alone, but His decree, 

A call to faith for all to see.

The blind now see, the lost are found, 

His mercy speaks where love abounds. 

Each healing touch, each act of light, 

Proclaims His power, pure and bright.

So let the doubters pause and know, 

His presence in these works does glow. 

For what I do is not my own, 

But proof that I am sent and known.

Lord Jesus, 

You were sent by the Father, And the works You have done proclaim His truth. Through Your hands, the blind see, Through Your voice, the lost find their way. You fulfill the mission set before You, A perfect testament of divine love.

Lord, let me recognize Your works in my life. Open my heart to Your presence, That I may see Your hand at work in the simple and the extraordinary. Help me to trust in Your calling, to walk the path You have set for me, and to glorify the Father in all I do.

May my life be a witness to Your truth, Reflecting Your grace and mercy, so that others may see and believe. Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith, guide my steps, and fill me with the courage to follow You wholeheartedly.

Amen.

Pericope:

The Book of Signs

WITNESSES TO JESUS

John 5:31-47

Gospel Acclamation

God so loved the word that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.

Gospel | John 5:31-47

31 Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. 32 But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. 33 You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. 34 I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. 37 Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. 40 But you do not want to come to me to have life. 41 “I do not accept human praise; 42 moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. 46 For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Greater Works

 

The Father loves the Son 

and shows him everything 

that he himself does, 

and he will show him 

greater works than these, 

so that you may be amazed. 

(John 5:20)

God's work of redemption and restoration never stops. We can trust that God is always working in our lives, even when we don’t see it.

Jesus does nothing apart from the Father. He gives life and has the authority to judge. Those who do good will rise to life, but those who do evil will face condemnation. Let us seek His grace to live in righteousness according to His teachings. Our salvation comes through faith in Him.

The Father’s love, so vast and bright, 

Guides the Son in perfect light. 

All He does, the Son can see, 

In sacred bond of unity.

He shows Him works both great and true, 

A path of light for me, for you. 

Yet greater wonders still remain, 

To leave us speechless, to amaze.

The breath of life, the healing hand, 

The mercy flowing through the land. 

In love divine, their will is one, 

A gift of grace through Christ the Son.

So stand in awe, lift up your eyes, 

The Father’s works will yet arise. 

Believe, rejoice, in Him abide, 

For love and truth walk side by side.

Lord Jesus, 

I stand in awe of Your love, a love so deep, so perfect. The Father has revealed to You His great works, And through You, He has shown us wonders beyond measure.

You bring life to the weary, hope to the broken, And Your truth shines like the morning sun. May I never turn away from Your voice, But listen and follow in faithful surrender.

Reveal to me, O Lord, Your greater works, That I may be amazed at Your glory. Open my heart to trust in Your divine plan, For in You, all things are made new.

I honor You, Lord Jesus, as the Son of the Living God, Sent to bring salvation and eternal life. May 

Your will be done in me, As I walk in Your love and grace. 

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

CURE ON A SABBATH/THE WORK OF THE SON

John 5:1-18 / 19-30

Gospel Acclamation

I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will never die.

Gospel | John 5:17-30

17 Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” 18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God. 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, a son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees his Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. 22 Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to his Son, 23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. 25 Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to his Son the possession of life in himself. 27 And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 “I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Walk with Jesus

 

“Rise, 

take up your mat, 

and walk.” 

(John 5:8)

In today’s gospel, Jesus shows immense compassion by healing the man, demonstrating His care for those who suffer and His willingness to intervene even when others might overlook the need. Like Jesus, we should prioritize compassion over strict legalism, placing love and mercy above rigid rules. Let our faith in the Lord bring about healing for us and for others.

Amid the stillness by the pool, 

Where hope and doubt collide and duel, 

A voice breaks through the aching air, 

A call to rise—to faith, to dare.

"Rise," He says, "take up your mat, 

And walk away from where you sat. 

No chains remain, no burden binds, 

Your healing lives within your mind."

Years of waiting, sorrow's weight, 

Are lifted now—love shifts your fate. 

Steps once forgotten find their way, 

To paths where promise lights the day.

From brokenness to life's embrace, 

God's mercy fills the empty space. 

No longer trapped, the man awakes, 

With every stride, new life he takes.

Lord Jesus, 

You are the source of healing and hope, the lifter of burdens, the giver of life. As You spoke to the man by the pool, so speak to us now: "Rise, take up your mat, and walk."

Grant us the courage to step forward in faith, even when doubts and fears weigh us down. Help us leave behind the places of complacency and despair and walk boldly into the light of Your promises.

We bring to You the wounds of our hearts, the struggles of our souls, And the burdens we have carried for too long. Heal us, Lord—not only in body, but in spirit, that we may walk in newness of life, a testimony to Your grace.

Guide our steps, Lord, in paths of righteousness and love, that we may glorify You in all we do. Teach us to trust in Your perfect timing and unfailing compassion. And may our faith in You be a beacon to others who seek Your peace.

In Your holy and precious name, we pray. Amen

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

CURE ON A SABBATH

John 5:1-18

Gospel Acclamation

A clean heart create for me, O God; give me back the joy of your salvation.

Gospel | John 5:1-16

1There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. 3 In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. 4-5 One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” 9 Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. Now that day was a sabbath. 10 So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” 11 He answered them, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Take up your mat and walk.’” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who told you, ‘Take it up and walk’?” 13 The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. 14 After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. 16 Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a sabbath.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

True Faith

 

“You may go; 

your son will live.” 

(John 4:50)

God's power transcends human boundaries like distance and time. We should be persistent in prayer, always seeking God’s guidance in our daily living. Let us demonstrate our true faith by trusting Jesus' word without needing visible proof and believe in God's promises, even when we don't immediately see the results. Our faith can have a ripple effect on those around us.

"You may go; your son will live," 

A promise so firm, a gift to give. 

No touch required, no glance exchanged, 

But faith unlocked what was arranged.

A father’s plea, a heart so fraught, 

In Jesus’ words, his hope was caught. 

No sign, no proof, yet trust so true, 

Believing life would spring anew.

Miles away, a miracle stirred,

A healing wrought by spoken word. 

Through faith alone, love's power revealed, 

A family’s joy, forever sealed.

"You may go; your son will live," 

In every heart, this truth forgive. 

Believe the word, though eyes may not see, 

And find the grace that sets us free.

Lord Jesus, 

Your words bring life, healing, and hope. Like the father who trusted in Your promise, Help me to have faith in Your divine power, Even when I cannot see the outcome.

When I am troubled or filled with doubt, Remind me of Your unfailing love. Speak to my heart and guide my steps, That I may trust in You with all my being.

Lord, I place my cares and those I love Into Your hands, where healing flows. Let my faith inspire others, as the father’s faith Brought his family to believe in You.

Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and peace, For in You, we find life everlasting. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

RETURN TO GALILEE / SECOND SIGN AT CANA

John 4:43-45 / 46-54

Gospel Acclamation

Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and the Lord will be with you.

Gospel | John 4:43-54

43 At that time Jesus left [Samaria] for Galilee. 44 For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place. 45 When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves had gone to the feast. 46 Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. 48 Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” 49 The royal official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. 51 While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. 52 He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, “The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon.” 53 The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live,” and he and his whole household came to believe. 54 Now this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

A Lost Son Returns

 

The servant said to him, 

‘Your brother has returned 

and your father has slaughtered

the fattened calf because 

he has him back 

safe and sound.’ 

(Luke 15:27)

When a lost son returns, God our father celebrates with joy. Important to Him is our repentance, realizing our mistakes and deciding to take responsibility. This shows that we value humility and having the courage to admit when we are wrong.

No matter how far we've strayed, God’s love and forgiveness are always available to us when we turn back to Him. We should avoid resentment and rejoice in others’ blessings, as the father lovingly reassures us of our own worth.

Through distant lands and fleeting dreams, 

The younger son sought life's extremes. 

With wealth in hand, he cast his way, 

Yet found himself in disarray.

The riches faded, friends withdrew, 

Hunger gnawed, and sorrow grew. 

Among the swine, he stood in shame, 

Yearning for home, he called his name.

"I'll rise," he said, "and turn around, 

Seek my father, on humble ground. 

A servant's bread, a house of peace, 

Is more than this, where pain won't cease."

The father watched, with teary eyes, 

And saw his son, beneath the skies. 

He ran, embraced, and kissed his child, 

Forgiveness flowed, pure, undefiled.

“Bring finest robes, a feast prepare, 

My son was lost, now found he's here! 

This is a day for joy to spring, 

A prodigal's return—let the heavens sing!”

The elder stood with heart unsure, 

Why celebrate this? I've been pure. 

The father turned, with love he spoke, 

“All I have is yours—this bond won't choke.

But see, your brother, once was dead, 

Now lives anew, and love is spread. 

Let’s join together, hearts to mend, 

For this, my son, is not the end.”

Lord Jesus, 

I come before You with a humbled heart, Strayed and weary, longing for a fresh start. You, who embrace us with love so divine, Restore my soul, make Your mercy mine.

Forgive the paths where I went astray, Guide me back to Your righteous way. Like the father who welcomed his son, Let me find grace, where hope is begun. Fill my spirit with courage to rise, To seek Your light, away from lies. Teach me to trust, to serve, to yield, And place my life in Your hands as my shield.

Lord Jesus, my Savior, my Friend, my Guide, In Your arms, let me forever abide. Thank You for love that never fades, For the gift of new life Your cross portrays.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP / THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SON

Luke 15:1-10 / 11-32

Gospel Acclamation

I will get up and go to my father and shall say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

Gospel | Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

1 Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, 2 but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So to them Jesus addressed this parable. 11 “A man had two sons, 12 and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, giveme the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. 13 After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. 14 When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. 15 So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. 16 And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. 17 Coming to his senses he thought, “How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. 18 I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ 20 So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ 22 But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. 25 Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. 26 He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. 27 The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. 30 But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ 31 He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. 32 But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’” 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

March 22, 2025, 9:56 AM

Stay Humble

 

"Everyone who exalts himself

will be humbled, 

and the one 

who humbles himself, 

will be exalted."

(Luke 18:14)

God values humility and sincerity over pride and self-importance. Humility and being honest with oneself is of utmost importance in the conduct of our daily living Are we genuinely seeking forgiveness and striving to live better?

Our prayer should be is one of repentance and a genuine heart. Let us humbly acknowledge our sins brought about by pride and self-righteousness and seek mercy from God. 

Two men stood in the temple to pray, 

Their hearts laid bare in different ways. 

One with pride, his deeds proclaimed,

The other in sorrow, bowed and ashamed.

The Pharisee boasted, “I am not like them, 

I fast and tithe, I am pure among men.” 

His gaze was lofty, his words full of pride, 

But his soul with humility, he could not abide.

The tax collector stood at a distance alone, 

His sin like a shadow, a weight he'd known. 

Beating his chest, he could only plea, 

“God, have mercy on a sinner like me.”

The humble heart, God lifts on high, 

While prideful boasts will wither and die. 

For those who exalt will surely descend, 

And the meek will rise to the heavens' end.

Lord Jesus, 

You see the depths of our hearts, beyond words and appearances. Help us, Lord, to come before You with humility and honesty, Like the tax collector who sought Your mercy, knowing his need for grace.

Teach us not to exalt ourselves in pride, But to kneel before You, acknowledging our weaknesses. Guard us from self-righteousness, And help us to see others with compassion, not judgment.

Lord, I confess my sins before You. Have mercy on me, a sinner, For I rely on Your unfailing love and forgiveness. Create in me a humble spirit, That I may walk in Your light and share Your love with the world.

Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer. May my heart remain ever turned toward You, Exalted and glorified forever.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE PHARISEE AND THE TAX COLLECTOR

Luke 18:9-14

Gospel Acclamation

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Gospel | Luke 18:9-14

9 Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. 10 “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Love the Lord your God

 

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. 

(Mark 12:29-30)

The most important commandment, according to Jesus, is to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength. The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. These commandments are tied together and fulfilling them is a way to show our faithfulness to God. 

It is now our time to do good and open our eyes to see. We must commit to love our neighbors by giving our help when they are in need. It is in giving charity to those who need most. 

We should approach our faith and spiritual growth with sincerity and a genuine desire to learn. Let us have a genuine faith that seeks to please God rather than people.

In the heart's sacred chamber, a commandment is etched,

To love God with all our might, a bond that's never stretched.

With heart, soul, and strength, we strive to comply,

Under the watchful gaze of the Almighty in the sky.

The second greatest commandment, a mirror of the first,

To love our neighbor as ourselves, quenching their thirst.

These commandments, intertwined, a divine thread,

Show our faithfulness to God, on this path we tread.

Now is the time to open our eyes, to truly see,

To do good, to love our neighbors, to simply be.

In need or in plenty, in joy or in strife,

We commit to giving, such is the essence of life.

Charity, a gift, to those who need it most,

A testament of love, from coast to coast.

Approach faith with sincerity, let learning be your yearn,

For spiritual growth is a journey, at every twist and turn.

Let our faith be genuine, pleasing God above,

Not for show or vanity, but for unconditional love.

In the grand tapestry of life, let these words be our theme,

To love God and our neighbors, to live this dream.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We come before You today, acknowledging Your commandments as the guiding light of our lives. You have taught us that the most important commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. We strive to fulfill this commandment each day, dedicating every moment to You.

You have also taught us that the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. We understand that these commandments are tied together and fulfilling them is a way to show our faithfulness to You. 

Lord, we pray for the strength and wisdom to do good in this world. Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us. Help us to love our neighbors sincerely, offering help when they are in need. Teach us the true meaning of charity and guide us to give generously to those who need it most.

We approach our faith and spiritual growth with sincerity and a genuine desire to learn. We yearn for Your wisdom and guidance as we navigate through life. Help us to grow in understanding and to deepen our relationship with You.

Above all, Lord, we seek to please You in all that we do. Let our faith be genuine and our actions be a reflection of Your love. Guide us in our journey and help us to live out Your commandments each day.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

Mark 12:28-34

Gospel Acclamation

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.

Gospel | Mark 12:28-34

28 One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” 29 Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! 30 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 31 The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. 33 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.” 34 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.

Background:

The background of Mark 12:28-34 is quite rich and complex. This passage is set in the context of a series of conversations between Jesus and various sectarian leaders residing in Jerusalem. The scribe who initiates the discussion with Jesus in this passage is a learned representative of Judaism and takes a positive role in it.

The question the scribe asks, “Which commandment is the first of all?” is essentially the question, "What is essential to Jewish identity?". This question had been discussed by the Jewish community for a long time, but its importance was magnified with the destruction of the temple.

In response, Jesus combines Deuteronomy 6:4-5 with Leviticus 19:18, emphasizing that the God of Israel is alone sovereign of the world and that God acts with complete integrity. He also explains that love for the neighbor elucidates most clearly one’s love for God.

This passage reflects the ancient notion that identity is communal. To be was to be part of a specific group. The group was present in the individual; the individual represented the group. A primary question was, "Am I faithful to my community?". This situation was quite different from our North American emphasis on individuality and on finding oneself.

Mark wrote about 70 CE after the fall of Jerusalem. With the temple destroyed, many Jewish communities asked, "What does it mean now to be Jewish? What is the core of Jewish identity?". In today’s text, Mark offers an answer to the Markan congregation.

Learning Lessons:

Mark 12:28-34 provides several important lessons for us:

Love God and Love Your Neighbors (Verses 28-34)1: The most important commandment, according to Jesus, is to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength. The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. These commandments are tied together, and fulfilling them is a way to show our faithfulness to God.

The Messiah is Divine: Jesus, in his conversation with the scribe, also asserts his divinity, which is a central tenet of Christian faith.

Be Pleasers of God Rather Than Pleasers of People (Verses 38-44)1: Jesus warns against hypocrisy and performing religious acts for show. Instead, he encourages genuine faith that seeks to please God rather than people.

Community and Identity2: This passage reflects the ancient notion that identity is communal. To be part of a specific group means representing that group. A primary question was, "Am I faithful to my community?". This challenges us to consider how our actions and attitudes reflect on our Christian community.

The Importance of Sincerity in Questioning: The scribe in this passage appears to be sincerely seeking understanding, rather than trying to trap Jesus. This teaches us the value of approaching our faith and spiritual growth with sincerity and a genuine desire to learn.

The Value of Love Over Rituals: As suggested in Mark 12:28-34, it is now our time to do good and open our eyes to see. We must commit to love our neighbors as well. It is by giving your help when they are in need. It is in giving charity to those who need most.

These lessons encourage us to love God and others genuinely, to seek understanding sincerely, and to live out our faith in a way that honors God and benefits our community.  (Conversation with Copilot)

Published:

June 6, 2024, 7:40 AM