In answering the Pharisee’s question with these two commandments, Jesus summarizes the moral law found in the Ten Commandments. The first three commandments encompass loving God and the remaining seven encompass loving our neighbor. Thus, Jesus’ perfect answer emphasizes the gift of love and its centrality to our Catholic faith. It reminds us that, first and foremost, we are created to be loved and to love. It is only from this awareness that we’re able to serve Jesus fully. And as members of recovery, it enables us to share our hope and love with those who are still struggling with addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments.

In recovery, the love of God and our fellows is key to obtaining and maintaining the gift of sobriety. Conversely, it is often the wrong type of love—self-love—that keeps us in the grip of our addictions, compulsions, or unhealthy attachments. The Twelve Steps helps us learn to give and receive love—to honor Jesus’ two commandments from today’s Gospel reading—and obtain spiritual well-being. Alongside the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Spiritual Principles help deepen our recovery and spiritual life. In fact, “Love” is the eighth principle and related directly to Step 8, where we make “a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.” It’s precisely by loving God first that we receive the grace to love our neighbor. Thus, today’s Gospel reading reminds us that love is not only necessary to live a good Christian life but also to support a healthy and joyful sobriety.

Reflection Questions

• What does it mean for you to love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind?
• What are some concrete ways you can fulfill Jesus’ second commandment? What obstacles are keeping you from doing them?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40 

Reflection by Loretta L.