Homily

Thirty-first Sunday of the Year (Year B)

Sunday, 3rd November, 2024

Rev. Fr. Dr. Titus Imojime

READINGS: Deut. 6:2-6 + Heb 7:23-28 + Mark 12:28-34

The Supremacy of Love

The homily for the Thirty-First Sunday of Year B centers on the Supremacy of Love and emphasizes that true religion involves loving God and loving our fellow human beings, made in God’s image. In the Gospel reading from Mark 12:28-34, Jesus declares that the greatest commandments are to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.

Key Points:

  1. Moses exhorts the people to love Yahweh with all their heart, mind, and soul (Deut 6:2-6).
  2. Jesus summarizes all commandments into two: love of God and love of neighbor (Mk 12:28-34).
  3. Love of God and neighbor are interrelated; true love of neighbor springs from love of God.
  4. Loving God involves total commitment and loyalty.
  5. Loving neighbor means treating others as we would like to be treated (Golden Rule, Matt 7:12).
  6. Neighbor includes everyone, regardless of status or circumstances.

Challenges:

  1. Loving the unlovable and our enemies.
  2. Practicing love, not just knowing it’s the supreme commandment.

May God help us love Him as He deserves and love our neighbors, even when it’s difficult. Amen 🙏