We go to Mass. We listen to the readings. We hear the Word of God day in, day out; year in, year out. What is our attitude towards the Word of God? Do our reading and our listening lead us to be more and more devoted to God? Do we listen not just with our ears, and read not just with our mouths, but with an inner disposition to want to know God more; to draw closer to God; to nurture a heart that is wholeheartedly obedient to do whatever God says in God's divine Word?

In the Gospel reading today, can we discern the heart of Jesus towards God's Word? He says, ''I have come … to complete them (the Law and the Prophets, ie Scriptures) … until its purpose is achieved'' (vv 17-18). Jesus is not interested in legalistically following Scriptures (as interpreted by the Jewish leaders), but in fulfilling them in godly righteousness - that which is pleasing to God and is lived out compassionately. This we witnessed again and again in the life of Jesus, eg how He would heal those in need rather than legalistically observe the Sabbath … how He touched the lepers and was judged unclean Jesus points us to the way we can obey God's Word, that is, to understand the broad principles and flesh it out in our daily life by loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and loving our neighbour as ourselves (Mk 12:30-31).