Two wings of the Great Commandment

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season  : Third Week: Friday*

*Gospel : 12:28-34*

*First Reading : Hos 14:2-10*

*Two wings of the Great Commandment*

*1) Importance of the Two wings*

All birds have two wings. We don't find a bird with one wing. One winged bird can't fly at any cost 

Aeroplane has two wings. If both the wings are in proper condition it can fly. If one of the wings has problem it can't fly or while flying if one of the wings stops working, the whole plane comes down 

This shows the importance of both the wings 

*2) One Commandment with two wings*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the great and first  commandment

It speaks about two important things *Love of God and Love of the Neighbor*

Jesus presents this two things as part of one reality 

In other words, these are two wings of Christian spirituality 

The Bird of Christian spirituality has two wings. They are the Love of God and Love of Neighbor

*3) The tragedy of one winged Spirituality*

There is great temptation to follow the one winged spirituality in following the great commandment

Many have no issues when it comes to love God with all ones heart, mind, soul and strength 

But many have issues to Love the neighbor with all ones heart, mind, soul and strength

So it becomes a one winged spirituality, which can't perform anything in reality 

*4) Lent is a time to check our Wings*

During the season of lent we reflect lot many things in attaining the holiness and perfection 

In this regard, first of all we need to reflect about these two wings which are very necessary and important to grow in our life 

If we don't pay attention to these things, and if we do many other things, it has no effect at any cost 

So in order to move forward in our Christian spirituality we need both these wings 

*5) The hypocrisy of one winged spirituality*

Many people, exploit the neighbor in various context 

But when it comes to the holy places, spiritual things they are in forefront, either doing the services or in contribution 

This becomes a one winged spirituality, which has no effect 

One needs to be very careful with regard to the hypocrisy one winged spirituality

*6) How about my life?*

How do I practice the greatest commandment of the Lord? 

Do I follow the one wing methodology? 

Are these two wings have lost their balance in my life? 

Am I depending on one wing to fly or to grow in various ways? 

Have a idealised that both these wings are very necessary for my life and growth? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*