Why the Love commandment is the Greatest and First

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 22:34-40*

*First Reading : Ez 37:1-14*

*Why the Love commandment is the Greatest and First?*

*1) God is Love*

*God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him* 1 John 4:16

Love is another Name for God. God is Love is one and the same. There is no difference between these. 

So where there is Love, there is God, and where there is Love there is God 

So Love becomes the Foundation for everything

*2) Jesus Came to this World because of Love*

*God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.* John 3:16

The primary reason why God sent His Son and Jesus came to this world is nothing other than Love 

Love, motivates God to send His Son and Jesus to come into this world 

So one can imagine the power of *Love* 

*3) There is no greater Love than to lay down ones life*

Jesus say *There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.* John 15:13

Once again we see the greatness of Love, which makes a person to sacrifice his life for another 

Jesus died on the Cross because of Love, because he Loved us 

So Love becomes the force for everything

*4) Love is the Foundation for relationship*

There is nothing other than love, which is responsible for relationship

Love is the main force in the relationship between God and Human beings 

Humans beings can relate and stay together only if there is Love. If there is no love, no relationship is possible

*5) Life Begins with Love*

Every Life has its beginning in Love 

Love between Man and Woman is responsible for new life 

Without love No new life is possible. It is the foce of Love, which creates new life. So love has the power to create new life 

*6) Commandment of Love is the greatest and the First*

Jesus says this fact in today's Gospel. 

The reasons for the above statement of Jesus is very much reflected in the Scriptures and in our life

Since, no life or activity is possible without love, this commandment becomes first and the greatest 

Love is the Foundation for everything. So commandment of Love is greatest and first 

*7) Commandment of Love in my life*

How do I experience this first commandment of Love? 

What type of Love I have in my life? 

Is it self centered love or other centred love?

Is it a God centred love or Things centered love?

Is my love motivated by gains or Sacrifices? 

What is ruling my life? Is it genuine Love or Self centred Selfishness??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*