Today the Liturgy highlights the great double commandment – love of God and love of neighbor. We are to love God with every dimension of our humanity, including with our heart, soul, and mind. Psalm 18 today is an expression of that love of God: “I love you, O Lord, my strength, O Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliver.” God is completely steadfast in merciful love that keeps flowing our toward us. For this we are grateful and express our gratitude and love.
The first reading from the Book of Exodus names the three groups of people who were especially to be loved, namely, aliens, widows, and orphans. They were the most vulnerable people in Biblical times. The “neighbor” we are to love in our modern times may be different. Nonetheless, we are to demonstrate our love for them in practical and compassionate ways.
How do you express your love for God? Who is the neighbor God is asking you to love at this time in your life?