A Latin spiritual journey with discerning hearts, from ashes to glory.

Day 25, The Greatest Commandment.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark, chapter 12, verses 28 through 34.

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus

answered them well, he asked him, which commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered, the first is,

Here, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all

your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and 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.

Today we return again to the foundation of our faith, love of God and love of neighbor.

These aren't vague concepts or lofty aspirations.

They are a way of life, lived out daily in real choices.

In a world where division, indifference, and isolation often tempt us to retreat inward,

Jesus calls us to open our hearts, to love God with everything we are, and to love our neighbor

with compassion, intention, and generosity. Prayer is essential in helping us discern what this love looks like in real time. Contemplative silence,

the examine, and scripture reflection are the places where we listen. The sacraments,

particularly reconciliation and the Eucharist, give us the grace to act, but it is in action, in stepping into the messiness of

human need that we live the commandments most fully.

Love takes many forms. It may mean checking in on a lonely neighbor, advocating for someone

who has no voice, offering forgiveness in a fractured relationship,

or being generous with your time for someone in need. Sometimes it's choosing to be present

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