The two Great Commandments, love of God and love of neighbor are foundation stones for our Judaic-Christian beliefs and practices. We mold our lives in the direction they set as they provide both the freedom and parameters of a life lived in concert with God and others. St. Bernard writes: While the love of God takes preference over love of neighbor, in actuality, we busy ourselves with helping others to demonstrate our love of God. Charity in action, motivated by love of God, takes life and has as its reward a growth in charity and affection. The hours we spend in service to others, the Montagne Program that helps students receive a Central Catholic Education, Lazarus House Ministries, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and others like them that provide food and shelter to the needy are motivated and colored by our love for God.
St. Bernard offers two other salient points, upon which we might focus today: As you esteem yourself so must you consider your neighbor. If you love yourself because you love God, you will have that same love for your neighbor. As for your enemies, esteem them not for what they now are but for what they may one day become.
Bro. Rene
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