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St. Jude Catholic Church
Grand Rapids, MI
From the Director of Faith Formation
November 2, 2017 Vol. 4 Issue 44
To get this FREE newsletter e-mailed to
you, contact Mary Ellen at the Parish
Office by calling (616) 363-6897 or by
email to [email protected]
Be sure to check out the new feature
which we have added to the weekly
newsletter. It is titled: LIVING THE
WORD.
This weekly article focuses on preparing
for the Sunday Gospel reading before
hearing it on the weekend. It fills the gap
for those families who may have
teenagers in their household as well as
younger children. It also helps the adults
to come better prepared for listening to
the homily and gospel reading.
Sunday evening, November 12 we will
interrupt our Sunday showing of classic
films on the Old Testament for a parent
meeting for those children who will be
celebrating the sacraments of First
Reconciliation and First Holy
Communion this year. We hope to
complete preparation for the sacrament
of Penance by December so those
children can celebrate their first
confessions before Christmas.
A special call goes out to those who may
have older children who may have not
celebrated Reconciliation yet!
"JACOB" This Sunday evening we will be showing the first part of
the classic TNT film on Jacob. For parents or other adults who
cannot come on Sunday evening, we'll repeat the film at 9:00 am
after the Monday morning Communion Service. We would
especially like to invite the parents of our sixth graders who are
currently studying about Old Testament patriarchs in class.
Abraham only had one son, Isaac. When Abraham died, his son
Isaac, inherited his father’s position as patriarch of the family. Isaac married a women
named Rebekah, with whom he had twin sons, Esau and Jacob. The birth of twin sons
causes a problem: Which son would someday have Isaac’s position in the family?
The position could not be divided. Only one of the twins could inherit it.
Come find out the rest of the story by joining us for part 1 of the classic film " Jacob"
on Sunday, November 5 during the Sunday evening classes at 5:30 pm
On November 12, we have a meeting with parents who have children preparing for the
Sacrament of First Penance or Reconciliation, so the second part of this film will be
shown on November 19 on the big screen in the Brophy Center.
"You Can’t Take it with You" ... a play by George S. Kaufman & Moss Hart
Four Performances at the Performance Arts Center
located on the campus of Aquinas College by the
Drama Department at Catholic Central High School.
Performances are on November 2 & 4 at 7:00 pm and on
November 4 & 5 at 2:00 pm in the Performance Arts Center
at Aquinas College on Robinson Rd SE.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students and $4 for age 62 and older and may be
purchased online at http://circletheatre.org or at the Performance Arts Center box
office or by phone at (616) 456-6656, Monday to Friday from 12 noon to 5:00 pm
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read Matthew 23:1-12
Pray with the Word (Pray this text before and after attending Mass.) In
humility and service, O God, your Son came among us to form a community
of disciples who have one Father in heaven, and one teacher, the Messiah.
Fix in our minds his sound teaching, and in our hearts his stern warning that
neither by robes of office, nor seats of respect, can true greatness be
measured, but only by deeds of love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Listen to Bishop Barron’s radio homily at this time
https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-trouble-with-religion/692/
Prepare for the Word (Before attending Mass, reflect on these questions to help prepare to
hear the readings.)
How is your faith community a blessing? How are other parishioners your brothers and sisters?
How do you practice your faith? What actions, private or public, are expressions of your belief
in Jesus?
Reflect on the Word (After attending Mass, reflect on these questions.)
How is Christ your “master” (Matthew 23:10)? How does he help you relate to God the Father? Do you ever relate to
God as a gentle mother?
Knowing that all people are created by one God, how do you relate to others as brothers and sisters? What if they are a
different religion, ethnicity, political persuasion, or nationality?
Act on the Word (Use these ideas to act on the readings during the week.)
This is the week for humble pie! The Gospel frowns on hypocrites who perform all their works in order to be seen. So
this week, you are challenged to cultivate secret kind acts, especially for people with whom you are at odds. Notice the
various people you come into contact with this week, and choose three whom you do not know well and who seem very
different from you. It might even be someone who intimidates or scares you. Pray for them when you see them and
again in your daily prayer time (such as before you sleep). Then choose one of them and do something nice for them, in
secret. At the end of the week, reflect on your actions and attitudes. Now, do you see them more as a brother or sister?
Many thanks for giving us permission to use this copy to The Living Word 2017-2018 Copyright 2017 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.
Saint Alphonsus On-going Programs for Seniors 55+
St. Alphonsus provides activities on Mondays and Wednesdays each week.
Programs take place in the Parish Center. Everyone 55+ is welcome including
non-parishioners. For more information or to RSVP contact the Senior Program
Voicemail at 616-913-4419 or e-mail [email protected] Phone this
number to obtain the October Calendar of Events.
Monday November 6 Wednesday November 8
Lounge Open- Games, Socializing 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Lounge Open- Games, Socializing 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Playing Cards with Judy 9:30 am – 11:00 am Tai Chi Class 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Tribute to Veterans 11:00 am – 12 Noon Wood Carving 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Tai Chi Class 11:45 am – 12:45 pm Outing: Gun Lake Casino - RSVP 9:45 am – 2:00 pm
Lunch - YAH Sponsored 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Dinner: Soup & Chili 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Movie - "Unbroken" 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Presentation: Community Health Expo- RSVP 6:30 pm
Upcoming Parish Activities at Blessed Sacrament Parish
Bible Study on Mark’s Gospel continues on Tuesday’s at 9:15 am immediately
after the 8:30 am Mass. Come join over 30 people who will be spending several
weeks studying Mark’s Gospel which will be the gospel we will use beginning in
ADVENT. Many of the ladies go out for an early lunch as soon as the session
ends. Everyone is welcome!!
Table of Contents Jacob 1
Living the Word 1
55+ Activities 2
Home Lesson Plans 3/4
Calendar of Events 5
Catholic Info. Ctr. 6
Gospel Summaries 7
Vatican News 8
Home Lesson Plans for November 5, 2017
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Making the Connection (Grades 1, 2, and 3) Our prayers and spiritual lives should
transform us, making us servants of others in the model of Jesus. It is our hope and prayer that
this is the kind of faith our children will observe in us.
Materials Needed A dishpan filled with water; A balloon; A small paper cup; Several paper clips
Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings
Fill the dishpan with water and inflate the balloon. Allow your children to take turns trying to sink the balloon.
Ask: Why is it impossible to get the balloon to stay under water without holding it down? (Allow the children to
speculate about this.) Let the air out of the balloon and show the children how easily the deflated balloon sinks.
Try floating the paper cup, first with nothing in it. Then put paper clips in the cup, one at a time, until the weight forces
the cup to sink. Explain that air is lighter than water.
Say: When things are filled with air, they float; when heavier things are added—or the air is removed as in the case of
the balloon—they sink.
Say: Knowing this information, if you were swimming and felt tired, would you be happier to find a stick in the water or
an inner tube? The knowledge of things that float is useful only if we apply it to our lives. (The inner tube would be
better because it is filled with air and can help you float).
Say: In the Gospel this week, Jesus talks about what actions should follow from our knowledge of God. Let’s listen
carefully to what Jesus teaches.
Read aloud today’s Gospel, Matthew 23:1-12.
Say: In this Gospel, we hear Jesus describe a problem he had observed in some religious teachers. What was the
problem? (He said that they didn’t do what they taught others to do. He said that they prayed, but their actions didn’t
reflect their prayers. They didn’t practice what they preached.) Jesus says that our beliefs about God and our prayers
should lead us to be more loving toward other people
Conclude in prayer together that our love for God will be seen in our actions.
Pray together the Morning Prayer or the Morning Offering. (Click on the links)
Yesterday, November 1st, we celebrated All Saints Day. To conclude this lesson plan have your children sing along
“When the Saints Come Marching In. Click on the link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri1UApNR9yY
Making the Connection (Grades 4, 5, and 6) Older children are beginning to be able to take on positions of
responsibility and leadership. As they accept these new roles, we can help them to recognize that Christian leadership is
a call to service for the glory of God.
Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings
Ask your children to name people they think of as leaders. For each person they name, ask: What are some key
characteristics of this leader? What are some of this leader’s responsibilities? (Accept all reasonable responses.)
Ask: Do any of these leaders inspire you to want to be a leader? Why or why not? (Accept all reasonable responses.) Are
there any other characteristics you would hope for in a leader? (Accept all reasonable responses.)
Say: In today’s Gospel, Jesus talks to the crowd about some of their religious leaders. In fact, he is rather critical of these
religious leaders. Let’s listen to what Jesus says.
Invite one of your children to read aloud today’s Gospel, Matthew 23:1-12.
Or use this video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr07vty9sVg
Ask: What does Jesus tell the crowd about some of their religious leaders? Why? (He tells them to follow what they
teach, but not to follow their example; Jesus says that they do not practice what they preach.) Jesus then tells the crowd
what characteristic he looks for in a good leader. What does he say? (Jesus says that leaders should be humble; a good
leader serves others.)
Ask: In what ways are the leaders we named earlier like the kind of leader that Jesus described? (Accept all reasonable
responses.) Are there others we might list as leaders in the model of Jesus? Who?
Ask: what makes each a leader in the model that Jesus teaches?
Conclude in prayer together, petitioning God for the wisdom to grow to be people who humbly serve others as Jesus
taught.
Pray together a Prayer for Vocations or the Act of Love.
Watch this fun video clip about Following Jesus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJTr3dcDS0A
Making the Connection (Grades 7 and 8) Young people at this age are beginning to assume roles of leadership
at home, in the classroom, and in extracurricular activities. We can encourage them to exercise leadership fairly and
humbly in service to God.
Preparation for Sunday Scripture Reading
Say: You’ve probably heard the words “You know better than that.” The older you get, the more people will look to you
to be a good example for others. In other words, people will look to you for leadership. Ask your children to name areas
in which they are called to exercise more leadership. (Possible answers: in school, in extracurricular activities, in sports,
at home)
Ask: What would you say are the qualities of a good leader? (Accept all reasonable answers.)
Say: In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus talks about leadership. Let’s hear what he has to say.
Invite one of your children to read aloud Matthew 23:1–12.
You can watch the following video clip which goes beyond verse 12. It shows Jesus really going after the Pharisees and
calling them some nasty names.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRU8gGkxVNk
Say: Jesus tells the crowd to listen to what the scribes and Pharisees say because they are the teachers of the Mosaic
Law. But then Jesus offers a warning about their leadership. Ask a one of the children to read aloud the last sentence of
verse 3: “For they preach but they do not practice.”
Say: We are familiar with this saying, but we may not have known that it originated in the Bible. How do we phrase
Jesus’ teaching today? (Practice what you preach.)
Say: Jesus explains to the crowds that the Jewish leaders are so wrapped up in the privilege and honor that come with
their position that they neglect to exercise true leadership.
Ask: What does Jesus say are the traits of a good leader? (good example, service, humility)
Continue: And to whom does Jesus say that honor and glory belong? (to God alone)
Say: Let us conclude by praying silently for Church, political, business, educational, family, and youth leaders so that
they may see their leadership as a responsibility to serve.
Allow a few moments for silent prayer.
Then pray aloud together the Glory Be to the Father
Or watch "Why should I follow Jesus?" It is a fun video clip... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0eppMB7a7w
1111
November 2nd
Thursday
8:30 am School Mass in Church
9:30 to 11:00 am Women’s Faith Sharing- Kelly Conf. Rm.
7:15 to 8:45 pm Men’s Bible Study - ASA Rm. N-10
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Parent Meeting -ASA Library
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm Men’s Basketball in the ASA gym
November 3rd
Friday
8:30 am Mass in the Chapel
9:00 to 10:00 am - Eucharistic Adoration - Chapel. 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm - FREE Soup Supper - Brophy Center
November 4th
Saturday
1:30 – 4:00 pm - Confirmation Retreat with Fr. Tom
Cavera - Brophy Center and ASA Room S-3 3:00 pm Confessions 4:00 pm Mass
Ship of Hope Collection at all Masses
November 5th
Sunday
8:30 and 10:30 am Mass
Ship of Hope Collection at all Masses
Lord’s Lambs and CLOW during the 10:30 am Mass
St. Jude Volunteers at God's Kitchen
5:30 to 7:00 pm Rel. Ed. classes for children in grades 1-8
5:30 pm - Jacob, Part 1 - Brophy Center
November 6th
Monday 8:30 am Communion Service in the Chapel
9:00 am - Jacob, Part 1 - Brophy Center
9:00 to 11:00 am Mothers of Grace -Library/Youth Rm. 7:00- 8:30 pm - Living Your Strengths- Brophy behind walls
7:30 pm Women’s Bible Study - Thaddeus Ctr. Mtg. Room
November 7th
Tuesday
8:30 am Mass in the Chapel
7:30 - 8:45 pm Men of Emmaus - Millennium Conf. Room
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm Men’s Basketball in the ASA gym
November 8th
Wednesday
Mass 8:30 am in chapel
9:00 am to noon Sr. Men’s Club - Thaddeus Ctr. Mtg. Room
12:00 to 12:30 pm Devour - Youth Room 6:30- 8:45 pm Support Croup - Thaddeus Ctr. Mtg. Room
Sunday November 12 - 5:45 pm
1st Holy Communion & 1
st Reconciliation
Parent Meeting in the Brophy Center
For parents with children in the 1st through the 8
th grades
preparing for the Celebration of the Sacraments of First
Reconciliation & First Holy Communion, plan to attend this
important meeting. For more information please contact
Janet DeBoe at [email protected] or call the parish office.
FREE Soup Supper on Friday - November 3
Your choice of (4) hot and delicious soups served
with rolls & butter, dessert and beverage. Best of all…
it’s FREE. Serving in the Brophy Center from 5:00 pm
to 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome!
Sue Wuorinen,
Evangelization & Youth
Coordinator
(616) 363-6885
Cell: (616) 560-8107
Email to:
Go online to www.stjudes.net/thaddeus-society or contact Sue
Wuorinen at: (616) 363-6885, ext. 1166 or email
Go online to www.stjudes.net/mothers-of-grace-calendar to
view the calendar of events or contact Sue Wuorinen at:
(616) 363-6885, ext. 1166 or email [email protected]
55 PLUS LUNCHEON Wednesday, November 15
Social time at 11:30 am. Lunch served at Noon catered
by Billy K's Catering features turkey breast, pork loin,
stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied carrots and Fuji apple
salad. Entertainment by Steve Troyer - the "One Man
Band." Cost is $8.00 payable in advance by November
10 at the Parish Office (exact change only) or send check
or money order payable to Kathleen Roguszka 4695
Aldun Ridge NW # 106 Comstock Park, MI 49321.
St. Jude Women’s
ADVENT NIGHT
NOVEMBER 16 - 7:00 pm
All women are invited to our
annual Women’s Advent Night on November 16 at 7:00
pm in the Brophy Center. Musical entertainment will be
provided. Admission is one canned-good per person. Call
Kathie Sommer at (616) 260-2279 or the Parish Office to
reserve your table.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
for
November, 2017 Located inside Cathedral Square – Suite 2A
360 Division Ave South, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The following is a partial list of events scheduled for August and September, 2017 at the Catholic Information Center
located in Cathedral Square on Division at Wealthy in downtown Grand Rapids.
For information, phone the CIC at (616) 459-7267. Register online: http://www.catholicinformationcenter.org/course-
registration
"Catholic Inquiry Class and Update"
Thursday, November 2, 6:30 pm-8:30pm
With Fred Johnson, and Fr. Chuck Cuniff CSP
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
This is an eleven week program designed for those who want to learn more about the Catholic faith and way of life. This
course is also offered to Catholics who wish to update or renew their faith.
"Glittering Vices"
Thursday, November 2, 7:00 pm-8:30pm
With Dr. Rebecca De Young
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
The contemporary culture seems to trivialize the "seven deadly sins" or vices as if they have no serious moral or spiritual
implications. Dr. De Young offers a practical understanding of how vices shape our culture and how to eliminate deeply
rooted patterns of sin. $10 donation is suggested.
"Catholic Inquiry Class and Update - Mornings"
Friday, November 3, 10:00 am to 11:45 am
With Fred Johnson, and Fr. Chuck Cuniff CSP
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
This is an eleven week program designed for those who want to learn more about the Catholic faith and way of life. This
course is also offered to Catholics who wish to update or renew their faith.
"Divorce Recovery & Support Group"
Wednesday, November 8, 7:30 pm-8:45pm
With Jim Kline
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
For all those who are divorced or who are on the way to becoming divorced. This support group is led by those who have
been through divorce themselves and offers a pathway to personal growth. $15 cost for the series.
"Catholic Inquiry Class and Update"
Thursday, November 9, 6:30 pm-8:30pm
With Fred Johnson, and Fr. Chuck Cuniff CSP
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
This is an eleven week program designed for those who want to learn more about the Catholic faith and way of life. This
course is also offered to Catholics who wish to update or renew their faith.
Thursday, October 19, 6:30 pm-8:30pm
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 5 https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-
faith/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/31st-
sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-sunday-connection
Today’s Gospel continues to elaborate on
the tension between Jesus and the scribes
and Pharisees. Jesus now directs his words
to the crowds, warning them not to follow
the example of the scribes and Pharisees.
The scribes and Pharisees were teachers of
the Mosaic Law. They were entrusted with
its interpretation and, thus, were influential
in determining Jewish practice. In order to
appreciate the conflict that is evident in this
passage, we must understand that Jesus was
basing his teachings on the same laws and
traditions available to the Pharisees. Both
were interpreting the Law of Moses in
order to better adapt it to contemporary
Jewish life. The differences between their
teachings, therefore, are often highlighted
and amplified by Matthew.
This part of Matthew’s Gospel reflects
aspects of the conflict between his
Christian community and Pharisaic
Judaism. Matthew’s Church is thought to
have included many Jewish Christians who
may not have believed that a break with the
synagogue was necessary to be a follower
of Jesus. Jesus tells the crowd that it is
correct to do and observe what the scribes
and Pharisees teach; it is their example that
is to be avoided, namely, their love of
being honored and exalted. Hence, the
Gospel reflects the tension of an active
internal debate within the early Church.
Jesus references two aspects of Jewish
spiritual life prescribed by the Law of
Moses. Phylacteries are small boxes which
contain Scripture verses that are placed on
the left forearm and forehead. Tassels refer
to the fringes worn on the corners of a
person’s garments; the tassels help to
remind those who wear them to keep the
commandments.
The warning Jesus gives against seeking
places of honor in the community was
directed as much toward the Christian
community as the named Jewish leaders.
Indeed, it is a warning that resonates with
us today. Christian leadership is a call to
service for the glory of God; those who
would be leaders among us must, like
Jesus, be servants of all.
Read the Sunday Gospel…
Read the Gospel from your Bible, or go to USCCB.org for the readings:
Matthew 23:1-12 http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/110517.cfm
Read the Gospel
Jesus warns against following the example of the scribes and the Pharisees and teaches that those who would be great must be servants. What is the message and how can you respond to it?
“Do as I say, not as I do.” How many of us have been tempted to say
this to our children? In today’s Gospel we hear a resounding reply from
Jesus, “Practice what you preach.” Those who know us best, our family
and especially our children, can identify the inconsistencies between
what we want to teach and the example that we give. The challenge for
all of us, especially for those of us who are parents, is to model with
consistency the faith and the Christian way of life we wish to teach our
children.
Apply that message to change your attitude or behavior.
As you gather as a family, talk about what it means to practice what you
preach. Identify some examples of people you know who practice what
they preach. What do you observe about these people? What do you
admire about them?
In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus talk about the importance of acting in
ways that are consistent with our faith. Read together today’s Gospel,
Matthew 23:1-12 Talk together about ways in which your family might
better practice the faith that you profess. Choose one action to take that
will show your faith in action. Pray together that your family’s faith will
be shown consistently in your actions. Pray the Prayer for Vocations.
Taken from: https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/sunday-connection/31st-sunday-in-ordinary-time-a-sunday-connection
Did You Know…
...that Saint Mother Teresa lived a life of
service to the poorest of the poor in Calcutta,
India. Despite all her accomplishments, she
always worked with humility and genuine
spirit. Even when speaking to those in power,
she always spoke humbly and chose to see
Christ in everyone.
Examination of Conscience...
When I have received honors, accolades and recognition, how have I have I behaved toward others? How can I cultivate humility and compassion in my life? What can I do to integrate humility and compassion into my life? We would like to acknowledge the following publisher we have used with permission sections from its publication: Celebrating the Liturgy for Junior High Copyright, 2017 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications. All rights reserved. Orders 1-800-933-1800. Permission to publish granted by the Most Reverend Francis J. Kane, DD, Vicar General Archdiocese of Chicago, on February 6, 2017
Catholics, Lutherans look toward Christian
unity in Reformation statement
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholics-
lutherans-look-toward-christian-unity-in-reformation-
statement-83657
Vatican City, Oct 31, 2017 / 10:02 am (CNA/EWTN
News).- The Reformation anniversary gives us a renewed
impetus to work for reconciliation, said a statement
released jointly Tuesday by the Pontifical Council for
Promoting Christian Unity and the Lutheran World
Federation.
“We recognize that while the past cannot be changed, its
influence upon us today can be transformed to become a
stimulus for growing communion, and a sign of hope for
the world to overcome division and fragmentation,” it said
Oct. 31.
“Again, it has become clear that what we have in common
is far more than that which still divides us.”
The statement was released to mark the end of the year of
common commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the
Reformation.
The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity is
the Roman Curia's office for ecumenism, while the
Lutheran World Federation is the largest communion of
Lutheran ecclesial communities. In the US, the Lutheran
World Federation includes the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, but neither the Missouri nor
Wisconsin Synods.
The common commemoration was opened last year with
an ecumenical prayer service between Lutherans and
Catholics at the Lutheran cathedral in Lund, Sweden
during the Pope’s Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2016 visit.
During the service, Catholics and Lutherans read out five
joint ecumenical commitments, including the commitment
to always begin from a perspective of unity. Pope Francis
and Munib Younan, then-president of the Lutheran World
Federation and Lutheran bishop of Jordan and the Holy
Land, also signed a joint statement.
Pope Francis: In the Eucharist we receive the
grace to love https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-in-the-
eucharist-we-receive-the-grace-to-love-61924
Vatican City, Oct 29, 2017 / 07:14 am (CNA/EWTN
News).- On Sunday Pope Francis reflected on Jesus’
command to love God above all things, and your neighbor
as yourself, saying that it is in the Eucharist that we receive
the grace to carry this out.
“God, who is Love, has created us to make us part of his
life, to be loved and to love Him, and to love all other
people with Him. This is God's 'dream' for man. And in
order to accomplish it we need his grace, we need to
receive in us the ability to love that comes from God
himself.”
For this reason “Jesus offers himself to us in the
Eucharist...” the Pope said Oct. 29. “In it we receive his
Body and His Blood, that is, we receive Jesus in the best
expression of his love, when He has offered himself to the
Father for our salvation.”
Pope Francis reflected on Sunday’s “short, but very
important” Gospel passage from St. Matthew in his brief
message before leading the Angelus with around 30,000
people in St. Peter’s Square.
In the Gospel passage, a Pharisee asks Jesus what, among
the more than 600 Jewish laws, is the greatest. And Jesus,
not hesitating at all, answers: "Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your
mind. And love your neighbor as yourself."
The Ten Commandments, which were communicated
directly to Moses by God, are a covenant with the people.
And in his answer, “Jesus wants to make it clear that
without love of God and neighbor there is no true fidelity
to this covenant with the Lord,” the Pope pointed out.
In answering this question, Jesus is trying to help the
Pharisees understand the proper order and importance of
things, and how all other laws depend on these two.