June 11, 2024 Reflection – Return to God and to His Commandments…
Return to God and to His Commandments! June 11, 2024 Dear Family of Mary! The Commandments of God were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. They were given as the Mercy of God, who wanted His people to live in the blessedness of His original intention. The Commandments were the roadmap to a good life, and finally a life with God in eternity. But mankind has not been able to live those Commandments consistently. It has been a constant cycle of drifting away from the Commandments, and then being called back by the Lord through His prophets. Finally the Father sent Jesus, His only Son, to become one of us and to show us the way back to the Father. Surely we would listen to God’s Son! In the Gospel reading for today, Mark relays a teaching moment in which Jesus again made it clear that the Commandments were to be lived. Here are His words: And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, 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; and 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 neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he; and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any question. (Mark 12:28-34, RSV-CE) The scribe’s answer was really a rejoicing on the scribe’s part! He was so excited to hear what Jesus said!! Would that we all rejoiced at Jesus’ words as He did. Our Lady encourages us to be like that scribe. January 25, 2016 “Dear children! Also today I am calling all of you to prayer. You cannot live without prayer, because prayer is a chain which brings you closer to God. Therefore, little children, in humility of heart return to God and to His commandments so that with all of your heart you are able to say: as it is in Heaven so may it be on earth. You, little children, are free to in freedom decide for God or against Him. See where Satan wants to pull you into sin and slavery. Therefore, little children, return to my heart so that I can lead you to my Son Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Thank you for having responded to my call.” To return to God is to return to the Commandments, because the Commandments were give us God’s mind. The framework which will help us to become holy like He is! They are the road to joy!! In Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Cathy Nolan (c) Mary TV 2024