St. Paul writes to the Philippians: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious and worthy of praise, think about these things."
Today's Gospel from St. Luke is especially challenging for our day and age, obsessed as it is with the illusion of being number one, the very best, dominant in every possible way.
Jesus distills the entire Law and the Prophets into two commandments that are, in reality, one unified love: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, AND love your neighbor as yourself.
God promises: "You shall be my people, and I will be your God." And, God declares that He will prove His holiness to the nations through his people. Not through grand miracles or divine displays, but through the lives of ordinary believers like you and me.
Think of all your prayers, devotions, fasting, and spiritual practices. Then hear what God really requires: "Only to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."
