Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Octoechos Tone 6; Holy Priest-Martyr Phocas, Bishop of Sinope (98-117); Holy Prophet Jonah (786-46 BC); Venerable Jonah the Presbyter, Father of Theophanes, Composer of Canons and Theodore the Branded
Read
2 Corinthians 4:6-15; Matthew 22:35-46
The lawyer did not ask an innocent question. He was not a humble disciple seeking to learn from our Lord. Rather, he was trying to test Him to see how His answer would align with the teachings of the Pharisees. Knowing that there were some commandments that were more important than others, he sought to know what our Lord had to say about the greatest commandment.
Do we test the Lord like the lawyer? Do we try to play games with Him? Try to match wits with Him? Do we try to manipulate the Lord’s will in our prayers? Do we try to put conditions on our prayers? Do we try to love God without loving our neighbour?
His answer is clear then and clear today. The goal for all at all times is to love God AND to love neighbour. They go hand in hand, never separated. Let’s try to love God by going out of our way to love at least one neighbour today.