Jesus quoted from the foundational prayer of Judaism when asked about the first commandment. “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God …” To this day, pious Jews recite that prayer at both morning and evening prayer. It is written on the doorposts of their homes and in the phylacteries worn during prayer. When a Jew breathes her last it is with this prayer on her lips. Notice that the command word, the imperative, is “hear.” Loving God (and neighbor, the second commandment) is only possible after we have heard of God’s love for us, of God’s attention to us as precious. Love is not an act of will but a response to God’s gift of love.
MARCH92018
By Church Staff
