Hear the Law of the Lord

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

As a boy I learned the Ten Commandments, the six precepts of the Church,  the seven sacraments, the seven gifts and twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit. Having  memorized these, I felt a sense of accomplishment. But can you imagine having  to memorize the 613 laws found in the Torah? The Torah was the foundation of  the covenant God made with the people of Israel. 

If you go on line and do a search for “613 commandments,” you will find them  listed, along with a reference to the particular biblical book where each can  be found. Some listings place the laws under various categories, such as God,  Prayers and Blessings, Love and Brotherhood, the Poor and Unfortunate. The  largest list relates to Sacrifices and Offerings—over one hundred of them. 

When the scribe asked Jesus what was the first of all the commandments, he  was asking a question most important to any devout Jew. Jesus looked within his  own heart before giving his answer: Love the Lord your God with all your heart,  all your soul, all your mind, all your strength (Deuteronomy 6:4–5) and love your  neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). 

His answer came from his heart, recognized in the Jewish tradition as the  center of the human person, the seat of all thought, choice, value, and feeling.  Moses’ words to the people in today’s first reading still stand: “Take to heart  these words which I enjoin on you today” (Deuteronomy 6:1). 

Consider/Discuss

  • What is the value of having a law to live by? 
  • Take time to read the 613 commandments, and consider how love is  at the heart of the law of the first covenant. Then, read the Sermon  on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) for the same lesson. 

Responding to the Word

Loving God, we thank you for the gift of your law that has been revealed in  the teachings of Moses and of Jesus Christ. It offers us guidance and light for our  lives. Your Holy Spirit continues to enlighten our way. May we be attentive to the  direction that is offered.

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