Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrs
(Tobit 6:10-11.7:1bcde,9-17.8:4-9a; Mark 12:28-34)
How we are to show our love for God, Jesus’ first
commandment, has puzzled the modern age.
Some people propose that the only way to do so is to love one’s
neighbor. Although love of neighbor is
never to be dismissed, the first reading today gives us a way to love God
directly.
Love may be defined as seeking the good of the other. Tobias and Sarah seek God’s glory, a wonderful
good, when they pray, “Blessed are you, O God of our fathers, praised be
your name forever and ever.” Also, when they ask God’s help in their marriage,
they are recognizing God as powerful and contributing to his glory.
Even prayers of petition then express our love for God. They also redound to our benefit as God
always answers our prayers. We thus
fulfill that trailer phrase in the second commandment, “’…love yourself.’”
