- 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Readings: Exodus 22:20–26; Psalm 18:2–3, 3–4, 47, 51; 1 Thessalonians 1:5c–10; Matthew 22:34–40.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals the heart of our relationship with God: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and “You must love your neighbour as yourself.” These are not two separate commandments, but two inseparable expressions of the same love. Our love for God becomes visible in the way we treat others, especially those who are vulnerable and defenceless. In the first reading, God declares that He hears the cry of the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. The cries that society often ignores are never ignored by God. To love God, therefore, is also to develop a heart that listens to those whom God listens to. Saint Paul reminds us that conversion means turning away from idols to serve the living and true God, receiving His Word with the joy of the Holy Spirit even amid suffering. Our idols are not always visible; they can be our selfish interests, ambitions, attachments, or indifference to others. True conversion is allowing God’s love to replace whatever prevents us from loving fully. The Psalmist declares, “I love you, Lord, my strength,” reminding us that love is not merely a duty we struggle to fulfil, but a gift made possible by God’s grace. The more deeply we experience His love, the more freely we can share it. Love of God gives meaning to our love of neighbour, and love of neighbour gives credibility to our love of God. This is the beautiful simplicity of the message of Christ: a heart united with God becomes a heart open to everyone. Let’s reflect: Does my love for God make me more attentive, compassionate, and generous towards others, especially those whose suffering and silent cries are easily overlooked?
Don Giorgio