31st Sunday of the Year (B)

(Edited) Sunday Reflections (from) Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

31st Sunday of the Year (B), November 4, 2012

Liturgical readings

Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Psalm 18
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 12:28b-34

"There is no other commandment greater than these."

A scribe went to ask the Lord about God's commandments. Jesus replied with two commandments that summarize what can be found in the Ten Commandments: first, to love God with our whole being (1st to 3rd commandments); and second, to love our neighbor as ourselves (4th to 10th commandments). Then Jesus added, "there is no other commandment greater than these." The scribe was pleased with the answer of Jesus, and confirmed that following these commandments "is worth more than any burnt offering or sacrifice."

To love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. And to love our neighbor as ourselves. These commandments is one Christian ethic that cultivates reverence and respect for God and all He has created. We can test ourselves if we are obeying God by examining what fills up our hearts and minds, and how we treat others and ourselves. (The more official examination of conscience is in the Sacrament of Reconciliation). When we fill our souls with God's Word and the Sacraments, then we are strengthened in faith to continue to do the good we ought to do. Only in patience and in constancy do we do God's will and are directed to receive His promise of eternal life.

By experience everyone knows that following God's commandments is not always easy. It can be easy at certain times or stages in one's life, but it can be difficult at specific states of life. But practicing a devotion is a great help. Devotion to the Eucharist and reflection on the Scriptures is one. But a popular devotion that all Catholics can make, and one that is close to the hearts of many, is a devotion to the Blessed Mother. St. Louis-Marie de Montfort (member of the French school of spirituality which includes St. Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, St. Francis de Sales, and St. John Eudes) advices this devotion to Mary because:

The Blessed Virgin prevents virtues from fading away ... merits from being wasted ... and graces from being lost; she prevents devils from doing harm (True Devotion to Mary #174)

Together with a devotion to the Jesus in the Eucharist, both can anchor us well to God in difficult times. Through these devotions, the Lord will certainly sustain each of His children and keep their souls firmly rooted in His Life and teachings.