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“You are not far from the kingdom of God.”

“And no one dared to ask him any more questions” Mark 12:34

Mark’s Gospel today is a journey into the simplicity of a life well lived:  Love God with your whole heart, soul, and strength; then love your neighbor as yourself.  As Jesus reminds us, there is no other commandment above these.   

When a scribe confirmed that these two commandments are even greater than burnt offerings and sacrifices, Jesus saw that the man understood the meaning of God’s reign.  In response he told the scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”—an observation we would surely want to claim for ourselves.

But it’s Mark’s final words that give us pause:  “And no one dared to ask him any more questions.”

What were the others afraid of?  These were undoubtedly learned men schooled in Mosaic Law.  Asking and answering questions of one another would have been commonplace.

We can’t know for sure why the scribes felt threatened—and then fell silent.  But I can say that in any relationship of value, asking questions is not only good but necessary.  If one of us had been standing among the scribes that day, these are the questions we might have asked Jesus:

  • How can I build God’s reign on earth?
  • What can I do right now to welcome God into my life?
  • How can I reflect love of God in all of my relationships?

Friend, I’ll try to answer my own questions this way:  We build God’s reign through intimacy with Our Lord and his teachings, by witnessing compassion and love as Jesus did, and by sharing the joy of our faith with all those we know.  That sounds a lot like living the two great commandments.  With God’s grace, we, too, will not be far from the Kingdom of God.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Lance Nadeau, M.M.

Prayer for 5th Sunday

Jesus, my Lord, my Master and Savior

what must I do to enter Your kingdom?

Help me to do it.

What must I pray to have eternal life?

Help me to say it.

What must I be to give You glory?

Help me to become it.

O holy fountain of love, mercy and grace

restore in me Your divine image

that I may reflect Your truth In everything

I say and do that I might see Your face

and hear Your voice In everyone I meet

each day especially the poor, the weak and the sick.

You alone, Lord Jesus, are the answer

to all our prayers, the goal of our life

and the hope and dream of every heart.

In You my soul finds heavenly peace

and with You by my side

my every longing is fulfilled.

Amen.

Prayer by, Father Joseph Veneroso M.M.

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.