Matthew 22:36-40
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Reflection
Some come to spirituality with a compartmentalised understanding of the whole of life –
Morning prayer. √
Walk in nature amongst the trees. √
Spirituality this week? √ Done!
Our faith journey is not simply a piece of puzzle that we drop into our jigsaw of life.
The Great Commandments encompass living every moment, every day, every action, everywhere, that is, the whole of life in/through/with the transformative Wisdom of God. Following Jesus’ Way is a commitment to abundant life, choosing to seek God’s wisdom in all aspects of life, through inner being, to outward expression. This is our calling.
Meditating on these commandments offers a way of inside/outside reflection:
How am I loving? How am I being? How am I thinking? How am I doing?
Am I loving unconditionally with grace without criticism or critique?
Am I being at peace within and shining that light to the world?
Am I thinking with clarity to benefit and support God’s creation, allowing wisdom to inform my questions, learnings and decisions, perceiving without preconceptions or allowing fear to block new ways forwards?
Am I acting with kindliness and gentle care that creates a safer, welcoming and helpful space where life flourishes, restores and renews.
A quote often attributed to John Wesley:
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.
Prayer – Taking a Moment
Transformative One,
I delight in your presence that shines into my life,
Shining in the darker moments
And transforming me to ‘see’ wiser ways forward.
I seek your Way of unconditional regard for all, Compassionate One.
My behaviours and thinking are not always helpful or kindly.
Too often I am swayed by the frailties of others,
And act in ways unworthy and of little use. Heal me, I pray.
In humility, I call to you, Listening One
For you know before I, my foibles and inactions.
Daily, remind me to find a moment
To seek this safe and rewarding dwelling space that clarifies my thinking.
With open heart and hands, O Teaching One,
I offer myself to your blessed Way
To become a giver, bringer, maker and doer of refreshing peace
for all the flourishing of all creatures and creation.
Spirit of Life,
Your song resounds sweetly, enriching my soul.
A tune that lingers and uplifts my days,
drawing forth from me a new melody that sings in harmony with you.
I pray that I might not lose my way.
May it be so.