In today’s Gospel Lesson, one of the Pharisees — a lawyer — asks Jesus a question “to test him,” Matthew tells us. “Teacher,” the lawyer asks, “which is the great commandment in the law?” (Mt. 22:36). Jesus replies that the commandment to love is the greatest commandment.
This commandment is, first of all, to love God. We are commanded to give ourselves over to God unconditionally and completely. Every aspect of our personhood is included. We are to love God emotionally (that is to say, with our hearts). We are to love God freely (that is to say, with our souls). We are to love God intellectually (that is to say, with our minds). In Jesus’ own words, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment” (Mt.22:37-39).
If you were raised in a family that incorporated prayer into your childhood routine, you may…
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