Dt 6:2-6
Ps 18
Heb 7:23-28
Mk 12:28-34
“Hear O Israel
The Lord our God
is Lord alone!”
These words begin the shema, the central prayer of Judaism. Observant Jews recite it twice daily. It is written on the small scroll that is held within the mezuzah, the small container affixed to the door posts of Jewish homes.
The Shema became central to Judaism beginning in the late Second Temple period,that extended from 530 BC to AD 70. The scroll encased within the mezuzah is inscribed by a qualified scribe trained in law and scripture related to his task. as well as how to carve the quill and write the verses, which are written in indelible black ink. It is encased in the mezuzah which devout Jews place on the doorposts of their homes. The mezuzah serves as a reminder of God’s commandments. With time many came to see it as something akin to an amulet protecting the home against God’s anger.
The shema unites the reading from Deuteronomy with the Gospel of Mark.
Jesus’ replied to his interlocutor's inquiry about which was the first and most important commandment by directly quoting the shema: "Hear, O Israel . . . " It was a succinct way to outline what one must do to ascend the mountain of the Lord, to be numbered among the saints. But then Jesus went one step further when he added, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
One of the early rabbinic sages described the commandments to love of God and to love one’s neighbor, as containing all of the Torah with the rest serving as commentary. As Jesus' reply to the man continues we are reminded that He did not come to abolish the ten commandments. He came to perfect them by placing them in the context of love for God and for others. The scribe’s response, “Well said teacher, Your are right . . . . “ and his summary of Jesus’ answer showed his understanding.
Jesus changed the focus of religious observance from multiple laws governing diet, work, and other minutiae of life to love for God and neighbor. Two commandments as opposed to six hundred some laws? Sounds simple on the surface. But, as is true of much of what Jesus taught, apparent simplification is, considerably more complex and difficult in the end.
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The photos were taken a few years ago at the Charles River Basin across the street, actually Storrow Drive, from Mass General. One of the real gems. During fellowship at the General I ran along this three to four times per week, especially on Fridays. Great place.
Fr. Jack, SJ, MD
