November 3, 2024 This is homily if for this publication only as I am at St Gregory Abbey in Oklahoma

Deuteronomy 6: 2-6 + Psalm 18 + Hebrews 7: 23-28 + Mark 12: 28-34

The text we are given today is the simple straightforward essence of our faith. Our personal reflection on what can bring us close to the Kingdom of God is right there, Knowledge of God’s love. Yet, we ought to wonder if “close” good enough. Entering the Kingdom of God requires something more, and while it might be simple it is far from easy. If it were easy, there would be no need for a commandment.

Jesus insists that you cannot love God without loving others and upholding justice and dignity for all. When that justice and dignity for another person is denied or withheld, there is no love of God. At this point the cost of the Kingdom is right in front of us. There is a price to pay for following Jesus and for entering the Kingdom of God. Close is not good enough.

What is before us all through Mark’s Gospel is the mission of Jesus Christ to reconcile the world to God, to mend this world’s brokenness and restore the dream of God for a world where all are fed, where water is clean for all the thirsty, where young and old are cherished, where all of God’s children know respect and dignity no matter their race, gender or sexual orientation. 

It is not difficult to understand why no one dared to ask any more questions. Stunned by the enormity of the task and conscious of our frailty and our brief time on this earth, the majesty and mystery of God’s Kingdom can leave us heartbroken so out of reach it has become. Yet, when we choose to be with and for someone when another is suffering or in need, there is always a sign of hope that this world so desperately needs. A phone call to someone we have missed or forgotten, helping a neighbor before being asked, encouraging a young person with a smile or compliment while they look for their place in this world, taking dinner to a grieving family, all these simple things take us into the Kingdom of God. 

Easy as these may be however, there are more difficult things asked of us as well. Challenging the status quo is perhaps the supreme example of self-giving love that gives evidence that we are growing in grace and commitment. There are deeply rooted attitudes, behaviors, customs, and even some man-made laws that violate the basic dignity God’s children. The courage to speak up, and even act up is the kind of love we see in Jesus Christ.

No wonder there were no more questions, and why should there be? Since Jesus has come among us, there is no more need for questions or for talk. It’s time to act.