In the Jewish society of Jesus' time, people wondered, 'Of the hundreds of laws that exist, which one is the most important?'
Today Jesus answers this question and does so in an interesting way. He mentions the importance of love in three aspects: love of God, love of others and love of self.
In daily life, these three aspects of love are often related in simple but profound ways. For example, when someone chooses to add balance in life between work, lesiure and prayer, that person is loving self as well as God. When someone makes an act of sacrifice in order to benefit his or her spouse, that person is loving God at the same time. When someone steps back from the busyness of life, and asks, 'Lord, how do you want me to spend my time this day?' and tries to live according to Christ's voice, this person is loving self, others and God.
It is not easy to love; love often involves sacrifice. Lent calls us back to the basics. If we want to follow Christ, if we want to focus on what is most important, we are invited to love.
Lord, help me to love myself, to love my neighbour and to love You this day.