Matthew 22: 34-46 Which commandment in the law is the greatest?

/ Lil Smith

GOSPEL MATTHEW 22:34-46

34When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38This is the greatest and first commandment. 39and a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

41Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: 42“What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” 43He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying,
44  ‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet”’?
45If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” 46No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

  • Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
  • Sit in silence 5 to 15 minutes paying attention to the breath.
  • Name the ways that you love God with your heart.
  • Name the ways that you love God with your soul.
  • Name the ways that you love God with your mind.
  • Love the ways you love your neighbor as yourself.
  • What do you notice is missing from the love you share?
  • Who needs the love you share?
  • Give thanks to God for this time celebrate Gods love for you and your love for God.
  • Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, October 23, 2011,  the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Deut 34:1-12
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
I Thessalonians: 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.
Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD

2 thoughts on “Matthew 22: 34-46 Which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

  1. Just came upon your blog and I liked what I read. I would like to try and get in the habit of using and praying the lectionary on a daily basis. While the lectionary is a resource that I am aware of, it was not and is not a part of the tradition to which I belong (Christian Reformed). I would be interested in any suggestions or guidelines you might have for someone like me who is somewhat of a newbie to this practice.

    Gratefully,

    Jack

    Reply
    • Lil Smith – Richardson, TX – My simple life… is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God lead me. I have been married to Greg for 27 years and we have three wonderful children. My simple life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God take control. I followed God’s call to begin seminary at Perkins School of Theology in January 2006. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God’s call. I began the Degree in the Art of Spiritual Direction at San Francisco Theological Seminary in January 2009. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. I was ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA and spent three amazing years in Pastoral Ministry at Highland Springs Senior Living in Dallas, TX. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. My passion is the Christian Spiritual Life. As a spiritual director and retreat leader, I am so blessed to hear how God is at work in the world. How is God at work in your life?
      PresbyLil

      Hello Jack,
      Thank you for sending the request. This is the first one I have received. I would like to thoughtfully respond to your request. Please permit me a few days to put some information, suggestions, and guidelines together for you. This is a new endeavor for me, and I did not anticipate the question. Thank you for your patience. Blessings on the week ahead.
      Peace,
      Lil Smith

      Reply

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