Fr Peter Ireorji, MSP - Homily from 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time year B, Nov. 4, 2018

When Jesus was questioned about the greatest commandment, He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself” Mk. 12:30-31. God is love and everything he does flows from his love for us. Love is not just what we feel or say it is what we do unconditionally for the benefit of another. Jesus says that there is no greater love than one’s decision to die for another (Jn 15:13). This He accomplished for us on the cross. Love then is about giving and doing so unconditionally without expecting any favor in return. To love God with all our heart, soul, and strength is a total engagement such that nothing is left behind. And Loving our neighbour means going beyond ourselves and recognizing the needs of another, doing unto others not just as we would want them to do to us, but as they would like to be treated. Understand in this way, to love therefore, is not a suggestion nor an option; but a commandment.  God loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding grace and kindness towards us. On the last day we shall be judged not on how often we were in the Church, but on how far our love reached out to others. Peace be with you!