Hear O Israel!

​As I look ahead to tomorrow’s readings, it strikes me that many of us will be privileged to encounter a beautiful passage of scripture twice in one day:
 
Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!
Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart,
and with all your soul,
and with all your strength.
Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today.
Drill them into your children.
Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest.
(Deuteronomy 6:4-7)
 
As one who prays the Liturgy of the Hours, after hearing these timeless words at morning Mass, I will receive them again as I pray Night Prayer. 
 
It is with good reason that this passage, known as the “Shema,” is held as a key text by Jews and Christians alike. 
 
Like our ancestors in faith, you and I are reminded this weekend, to keep the Great Commandment of love before us always. 
 
We are called to keep it before us always, whether busy (doing dishes, laundry, or paperwork) – or at rest (spending quiet time in prayer or crawling into bed at night). 
 
I don’t know about you, but I have a way to go in this regard!

---