A man asks his wife, "When I die, do you think you will marry again?" The wife, looking at him in the eyes, answered sincerely, "No, I don't think I will." "What would you do then?" The man asked. "I would go live with my sister, of course." Said the wife. A moment later, the wife asked, "Would you marry after I die?" "Me?" Said the husband. "No! I could never." After which the wife asked, "Then what would you do? Who would you stay with?" "Simple," The man said. "Your sister, of course."
Sincere intention is a remarkable trait that is being looked for from every individual. Companies, schools, organizations, or even a simple household would want everyone to possess such a trait. Everyone wants to be surrounded by people with pure intentions with the assumption that most likely these people will translate their noble aspirations into a concrete action.
In today's gospel (Mark 12:28-34), we see the journey of a teacher of the law with his sincere intention of asking Jesus which commandment is the first of all. Jesus responded to the teacher of the law that the first commandment is to love God with one's entirety and the second commandment is to love one's neighbor as oneself. Moreover, the catch was not simply the reply of Jesus about the commandments but His remarks on the teacher of the law which says, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." From this remark we can reflect that God appreciates a sincere intention. I guess no matter how sinful we may be in our ways today; be it in our pride, addictions, laziness, adultery, envy, and the like, God will still whisper to us and say, "My child, press on. You are not far from the kingdom I have set for you."
May this reality of being not far from the kingdom of God inspire us to carry out our sincere intention to follow God more closely. Amen.
TGIFY-Reflection #34
(Thank God It's Fri Yey!)
March 20, 2020
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Fridays with Jesus
SpiritualA Friday reflection on the value of Jesus in the gospels.
