ROOTED IN BASIC COMMANDMENTS

The first reading of today is from Deut 6:2-6. These are most important passages for the Jew, especially verses 4 & 5. They are called as Shema Israel (Listen Israel). The commandment to love God is the first commandment for Israel. This is given to them so that they may find themselves in a right path. In the primitive world, when there is no sufficient human reasoning and understanding, God gives a commandment that could orient their lives. If they love God they will do whatever he tells, that’s why God gives ‘love towards Him’ itself a first and foremost commandment. Any adherence yielded with sublime and fearful obedience may not last long. And so, God is not insisting Israel to fear Him, rather to love Him with all their heart, soul and might. The second most important commandment is to love one’s neighbour as oneself (Lev 19:18). The Ten Commandments are based on these two commandments. The first three in 10 commandments are focused on one’s relationship with God and rest of 7 commandments are focused on ones’ relationship with others. Only when we love God, we listen to Him at all times. Our love towards God leads us to follow His commandments that direct us to uphold the rights of others. Among all the laws in Israel, no one should forgo this basic commandment. This commandment is also given by God whose knowledge is beyond human reasoning. All human laws are subject to error because they are formulated on the limited experience of man. But the law of God are objective, universal and eternal. They are adoptable at all times and in all cultures. 

In the Gospel, Jesus is confronted with question about Shema Israel (Listen Israel). In the past Sundays we have been witnessing series of questions that are put forward to Jesus to trap Him with His answers. In all those snares, Jesus astutely escapes the Pharisees, scribes… with His wise answers. Today’s question is the last of those series. If Jesus passes this question no one can touch Him. And indeed Jesus passes. The leadership in Israel questions Jesus because His teachings are very unique and creates a revolution. The presentation of God by Jesus is incompatible with the teaching of Scribes, Priests and Pharisees. The disparity between Jesus’ teaching and the teaching of Jewish leadership creates ruckuses in the society. When he is confronted with the basic question, Jesus states clearly that His teachings are not different from the commandments of God. His teaching are contrary to the Jewish leaders teaching but they are in no way away from two most important commandments of God.

The second reading gives the reason for the disparity in the teachings of Jesus and Jewish leaders concerning God and religion. The identity of Jesus is ‘eternal priest’ whose priesthood has no succession. On the contrary, the leadership in Israel has succession because they are conditioned by their mortal nature. Jesus by overcoming death has ruled out the possibility of succession. That’s why Bishops and Priest are not Jesus’ successors rather they are another Christ (alter christus). Even pope is only a successor of Peter, not Jesus. He is a Vicar of Christ, representing Christ among us. And so, the teachings of Jewish leaders are conditioned by their limited experience. The mere fact of the existence of many law in Judaism during Jesus’ time in comparison with the time of Moses shows that every period in the history gave new understanding about God’s commandment that necessitated new laws and interpretations. Jesus being an eternal priest could not, but teach only eternal truths concerning God’s commandments. His knowledge is eternal and His teaching are objective. As God, the eternal being could give commandments that suits all times, Jesus, the God became man could give interpretation that fits all times and all cultures. Any revolution would erupt tension but if they do not have their base on eternal truths they will vanish. The teachings are Jewish leaders were not based on eternal truth and so, they vanished.

In the Church today, Pope Francis is bringing lot of revolution with this teachings and ways of functioning. They seem to be in contrary to what other guardians of faith in the church hold. But, if Pope Francis is confronted like Jesus in today’ gospel we will be sure that his revolutionary teaching are not in contrary to the gospel. As Jesus was clear about the basic commandment of God, Pope Francis is also certain about the Jesus’ teachings. The ‘synodal way’ that he has initiated is a path breaking in his pontificate. Therefore, there is no reason to be perplexed about any revolutionary teachings in the church. If they are in conformity with the truth they will last. At this time of ‘synodal way’ we need to pray that the entire church may be united with the Pope in discerning God’s will for the renewal of the Church. May the Holy Spirit speak in this process of ‘synodal way’. May this moment of discernment bring awareness about basic commandments of God that insists about love and life. Let us love God and love other’s life!