You shall love your neighbour as yourself

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Gott ist nur Liebe

The Community of Taizé

Today is Monday the 17th of August, in the 20th week of Ordinary Time.

Over these next few minutes, become still, ready to let go, and to open yourself to the life and love to which God is calling you.

Today, the community of Taizé sing Gott ist nur Liebe.

‘God is nothing but love. Dare to give all for love. Give yourselves without fear.’

3:48

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 19:16-22

Then someone came to [Jesus] and said, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to him, ‘Which ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honour your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these; what do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

5:47

torches

soma sova

Jesus speaks today of those commandments which relate to how he loves others, including ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ Consider the people in your own life. How do you demonstrate your love to them?

Notice that in loving others, you offer something of yourself to them. Perhaps you give your time, your money or you love others through your actions. Take a moment to notice the different ways you give yourself in loving others.

Hear the man’s desire to love God even more, as he asks, ‘What do I still lack?’ Jesus’ response touches the place where the depth of love being desired challenges the man’s ability to give in that moment. As you listen to the reading again, are you able to ask the same question to Jesus, ‘What do I still lack?’

9:03

Matthew 19:16-22

Then someone came to [Jesus] and said, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said to him, ‘Which ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honour your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these; what do I still lack?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

10:56

This is a story of invitation to ‘come and follow’ Jesus. A story which leads to greater spiritual freedom. Might there be something in your own life which you’re being invited to lay down? Something which will free you to love God and love others more deeply? Share with God anything which seems to surface.

13:21

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen