FATHER ROJIN’S WIT AND WISDOM – October 29, 2023 

On the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are called to meditate on a profound scripture passage from Matthew 22:34-40. This passage underscores the essence of Christian moral life and spiritual fulfillment, revolving around the Greatest Commandment as articulated by Jesus Christ. Here, Christ simplifies the complexity of the laws and prophets into two fundamental principles: love of God and love of neighbor. In this passage, the Pharisees, in an attempt to test Jesus, asked Him to identify the greatest commandment in the law. Jesus responds, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." By this, He emphasizes complete devotion and surrender to God, a love that calls for the engagement of every aspect of one's being. It's a declaration that true obedience comes from a total and encompassing commitment to God's will, above our desires or understanding. But Jesus doesn’t stop there. He complements it with, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," thus intimately linking our love of God with our love for those around us. Here, 'neighbor' transcends geographical, racial, religious, and social boundaries. This commandment calls us to a radical form of empathy and action: to recognize God in every human being and to treat them with dignity, respect, and love that stems from recognizing their divine creation. It is as if Jesus wants us to understand that our love for God isn't demonstrated solely through worship, prayer, or religious observances, but equally through our actions towards others, reflecting genuine compassion, kindness, and service. Reflecting on this scripture during the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time should prompt a deep personal and communal examination. We are urged to ask ourselves: Do we reserve our love and respect only for those we feel are deserving, or do we extend it to all, including those different or even antagonistic toward us? Are there parts of our hearts that remain resistant to the command to love without measure? This period in the liturgical calendar, Ordinary Time, is far from 'ordinary' in the context of these reflections. It is a time for growth and maturation in our spiritual lives. It invites us to carry the extraordinary commandments of love into our everyday ordinary interactions and decisions. Through these, we are called back to the simplicity of Christ's teaching, yet also to its profundity, embracing love as the foundational virtue upon which all other laws and prophetic teachings stand. It is in these commandments that the path to a fulfilling and righteous life lies, illuminating the world with God's love through our everyday actions. Let us strive to follow the teachings of our Lord in our personal spiritual journey. May our Loving Father bestow His blessings upon all of us. Let us also pray for the world to find peace and joy. I would like to express my gratitude for your prayers and continued support to St. Jerome. Yours Lovingly – Fr. Rojin