Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 28, 2025

Friday of the 3rd Week of Lent

Scripture Text: Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" 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 said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. 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." 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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel presents us with Jesus’ encounter with a scribe who tests Him and asks about the first or greatest commandment. Jesus’ response satisfies the scribe.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

If Jesus and I spoke, would He tell me I am “not far from the Kingdom of God”?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Loving Creator, You are love and in, with and through love You manifest your power and presence daily. You sent your beloved Son, Jesus, to dwell among us and to lovingly and selflessly redeem us from our sins. He calls us to follow Him and the journey is one of love, growing daily in our love for You and love for one another. Send your Spirit to stir within us, to kindle the fire of your transformative love, so that we might better live the life You created us to live and the life Jesus, your Son, calls us to live. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.