great commandment – The Anchorite

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B): Mark 12:38-44

Is anybody there?
Does anybody care?
Does anybody see what I see?

– John Adams, from the musical “1776”

Jesus is sitting opposite the treasury in the Temple as we encounter him in this Sunday’s Gospel, observing people as they make their donations. Why is he there? What is he looking for?

At this point in Mark’s Gospel, it is Holy Week. Holy Thursday would happen in a day or two. Jesus has been preparing his disciples for what is about to happen. They have tried to understand him and to follow him, but they aren’t quite there yet. Jesus knows that their faith will be severely tested very soon. What might help them survive that hour? Continue reading “Does Anybody See What I See?”

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (B): Mark 12:28-34

Over this past year, we have seen many instances where people’s homes have been threatened – or destroyed – by wildfires, floods, or hurricanes.

Imagine that it’s your home that is threatened. You have just been told that you have thirty minutes to leave your home if you wish to save your lives. You can’t take everything with you, of course.

What do you save? The rest of your family, first of all. And then? Your pets? Your wallet or purse? Some important documents? Your cellphone? Your laptop? Some clothing? A watch or piece of jewelry that came from a beloved grandparent? What do you leave? In making these choices, you have had to set priorities. You discover what matters most to you. Not that you wanted to lose anything; but, when push came to shove, what was most important in your life? What defines you? What can you not live without? Continue reading “The Greatest Commandment”