Gospel Reflection for March 20th, 2020

​Gospel Reading:  (Mark 12:28-34 -  Open your Bible and Look It Up!)
 
Today’s gospel reading is from Mark’s gospel, and tells us that one of the scribes came to Jesus and asked Him which commandment is the most important.  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 agreed with Jesus, saying that these were the two most important commandments from God.  Jesus commended the scribe, telling him that he was ‘not far from the Kingdom of Heaven’.
 
We hear about ‘God and Others’ often from our pastor.   We are always being challenged to reach out to those who might need our help.  Right now, in this time of unusual circumstances, it’s more important than ever.  Let’s not forget to check in on our neighbors and make sure they’re okay.  Let’s keep in touch with those who might be lonely….a phone call or a note in the mail might be a good way to let someone know that they’re not forgotten.
 
 
By the way, yesterday I mentioned the dry, desert time that the Hebrew people experienced, and how our Lenten season offers us a true desert experience (especially this year!)   God uses our wilderness experiences to draw us closer to Him.
 
I found a great song by David Card titled “In The Wilderness”.  The lyrics are great. I wish I had written this song! I especially like the line “Wandering in the Wilderness is the best way to be Found”.