As I reflected upon this weekend’s scripture readings, my mind began to drift to the song “What the World Needs Now” by Dionne Warwick.  In so many ways, the words of that song capture the theme of our scripture readings, which speak to importance of love in our lives – God’s love for us and in turn, our love for God and for one another.

I have come to believe that the key to happiness is found in love, love which brings balance in our lives, and in turn to our world.  This week we witnessed a mass shooting in Maine, and war continues to rage in Ukraine and in the Middle East.  What’s the answer to violence?  Peace, and peace can only come to us when we understand the importance of love and dedicate ourselves to cultivating love with the choices and decisions we make.
  
Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, and he gave a three-part answer.  First, we are to love God with everything we have, with our whole heart, with our whole soul, and with our whole mind.  Secondly, we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.  And then Jesus joined the two commandments together by stating that it is upon love which the entire law which has come to us from the prophets and the tradition of the Church, rests. 

Now, Jesus was asked a question about laws and commandments, but he shifted the focus away from a set of rules to a mindset.  As we all know, you can’t order someone to love.  Love can’t be forced.  Love has to come freely from the heart.  It is about being in relationship, it’s about connectedness.  Jesus understood this and encourages us to follow his example.

The task for us is to continue to cultivate a relationship with God as we navigate the twists and turns of life.  When we truly love God, then we can love one another with the love of which Jesus spoke.  The path we follow is not about how many detours we take or how many times we lose our way.  What is important is that we set our sights on a relationship with God and begin that journey.  God’s grace will guide us forward.

May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forevermore.

Fr. Harry