The “Right” Answer
What’s the right answer? Perhaps all our years of schooling have conditioned us to believe that we’re supposed to always have the “right” answer. Following in Jesus does not rest in having the “right” answer.
In Sunday’s Gospel lesson from Mark (click here to read it) we read of a scribe (think of a seminary professor) coming to Jesus with a test question. “What is the greatest commandment?” Typically, when Jesus is asked such a question, He responds with another question or diverts to a larger principle. In this case, however, He gives a simple, direct answer to the question asked. “Love God with all your heart . . .” and “love your neighbor as yourself.” The scribe finds this answer quite satisfying and agrees that these things are much more important than whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. In other words, how we treat one another and how that flows from our love for God is more important than the our religious practice. “You are not far from the Kingdom of God,” Jesus tells him.
Jesus is not simply accepting his correct response but rather is seeing in it the attitude toward God and others that puts one on the path to heaven. Christian faith is not about knowing the correct doctrine, quoting the correct Scripture, or practicing religious piety correctly. It is about loving God and loving others. It really is that simple, and that difficult.
Good theology and good practice help tremendously just as getting to know your spouse (correct ‘theology’) and taking care of your responsibilities (correct religious practice) are really important in loving and serving your spouse well. But all the head knowledge and fulfilling household duties are not what make a marriage lasting or joyful.
Where in your life might you love God and love others more effectively?
This column appeared in the October 31, 2021 edition of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete edition.
If you are reading this at a different time, you may click here for the current eNews.
