Scripture Study for

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Understanding the Word

By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.

Israel’s law was quite humane. It exhorted the Israelites to be especially attentive to those within their community who were the most vulnerable, defenseless,  and disadvantaged. It singled out the alien, the widow, and the orphan, because  in a patriarchal society these groups had very little legal recourse. If they were  further oppressed and they cried out to God, God would hear their cry just as  God had heard the cry of the Israelites when they were in bondage in Egypt. The  law is also concerned with those burdened with financial hardship. Every attempt  must be made to ensure that they undergo no added humiliation or distress. 

Paul insists that, as important as the transmission of the gospel might be, it  is really handed down by the example of lifestyle. He challenges the Christians  to follow his example and that of Jesus. He has a particular circumstance in mind  when he says this. The Thessalonians were converted in the midst of affliction,  and it is within such circumstances that they give witness to others. Those who  are faithful amidst the tribulations of this life will be spared the final wrath of  God. Paul is not painting a picture of doom; he is giving meaning to the hardships  that the Christians are presently enduring. 

A Pharisee, a lawyer or expert in the law, asks Jesus to identify which of the six  hundred thirteen commandments is the most important, an issue that held con siderable interest at the time. Jesus’ answer is faithful to his own Jewish faith. He  endorses the summons that constitutes the Shema, the most significant prayer of  the Israelite religion (see Deuteronomy 6:5). He insists that the love of God must  occupy one’s entire being and not be simply a superficial allegiance. He then  adds a second commandment, which is said to be like the first in importance.  From this proclamation flows the responsibility to love God with one’s entire  being and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. 

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