of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2024 WEEK NINE – ORDINARY TIME

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2024 WEEK NINE – ORDINARY TIME

THE SINCERE SCRIBE (MK 12:28-34)

Prayer:

O Jesus, I want to love you with all my heart and soul.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus speaking with this good-willed scribe.

Context:

This scribe is not hostile.  His question is sincere.  He searches for the most important commandment. Jesus quotes the great prayer which he himself recited each day.  This had brought the scribe close to Jesus’ Kingdom.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

  1. This scribe comes with a docile spirit.  His question is fair and he accepts Jesus answer.
  2. To emphasize this total consecration to God alone, Jews multiply images – heart, mind, will, strength.
  3. Jesus adds a surprise.  To this great commandment (known by all), he adds a second command, to love our neighbor.
  4. In these two commands, Jesus has summed up his whole gospel.
  5. The scribe agrees. Loving God and neighbor are more important than even temple sacrifices.
  6. The scribe is close to the Kingdom.  Now, he needs only to believe that Jesus is Messiah and Lord.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O Jesus, I consecrate myself to you – heart and mind, soul and strength.  Anything less is unworthy of you.
  • O Jesus, give me a spirit docile to your commands.
  • O Jesus, when you enter my heart so does the whole world.  Everyone becomes my neighbor.
  • You loved totally – even to your death on the cross.
  • Love is a total immolation.  O Jesus, I offer you my heart.
  • You are love, Jesus. I choose you as the bridegroom of my soul.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+I will set aside time today for God alone.

+I will love my neighbor in thought, word and deed.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)