When people are close to God in mind and heart they flourish - as does the society in which they live. The Israelites had learned a bitter lesson. Their idolatry, power politics, and reliance on military might brought the misery of Assyrian oppression upon them. Now the prophet is begging them to return to the ways of God for in them are life and hope. There are times when we have to stop making excuses and just admit that we have made a mess of things. So often when we are in trouble it is because we have not loved properly or been honest and just. We need not look into the past and bewail our mistakes but just return to God's ways.

If someone asked you to explain your faith in one breath or sentence you would do well to recite the Great Commandment. This is the core of Israel's faith as it is of ours - the rest of the bible is 'commentary' on this. Love is not warm feelings or attraction but a concern for the happiness and well-being of others - even those who do not 'deserve' it. Love of God and love of neighbor - the two are indivisible and without one there is not the other. There is nothing complicated about this and we do not have to be a theologian to understand what God wants of us. If we carry this commandment in our mind and heart throughout the day we will not stray from the way of the Lord.