Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 4 June 2026
Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
2 Tim 2:8-15. Mk 12:28-34
Priority
Every day we make choices. Some are small and ordinary: what to eat, where to go, whom to call. Others shape the direction of our lives: what we value, what we pursue, whom we love, and what we place at the center of our hearts. Our lives are ultimately determined not by what we say is important, but by what we actually prioritize.
In today’s Gospel, a scribe approaches Jesus with an important question: “Which commandment is the first of all?” It is not merely a question about one law among many. By the time of Jesus, Jewish tradition had identified 613 commandments and regulations. The scribe wants to know whether Jesus truly understands the Law. Among so many commandments, which one comes first? Which one deserves priority?
Jesus responds by bringing together two passages from the Old Testament. From Deuteronomy He quotes: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” From Leviticus He adds: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Then He concludes: “There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Notice that Jesus does not simply give two commandments. He establishes an order of priorities. Love of God comes first, and love of neighbour naturally follows from it. The entire Christian life is built upon these two loves. Everything else finds its meaning in them.
The scribe is surprised by Jesus’ answer. Instead of arguing, he agrees. He even goes further and says that loving God and neighbour is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. Jesus recognizes the wisdom of his response and tells him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
This statement is striking. The scribe is not yet said to be inside the Kingdom, but he is near it. Why? Because he has understood what truly matters. He has recognized that God desires love more than ritual, relationship more than sacrifice, and conversion of heart more than external observance.
The same challenge remains for us today. It is possible to attend Mass regularly, say prayers faithfully, and fulfil religious obligations while remaining distant from our neighbour. We may offer sacrifices in the church while refusing forgiveness at home. We may profess love for God while neglecting those who need our attention, kindness, and compassion. Jesus reminds us that authentic worship always bears fruit in love.
The first reading helps us understand why this is possible. Saint Paul tells Timothy: “Remember Jesus Christ.” Everything begins there. Christianity is not first about rules, duties, or obligations. It is about a person. When Christ occupies the first place in our lives, everything else finds its proper place. When He is forgotten, even good things become disordered.
Paul continues with a beautiful affirmation: “If we are faithless, he remains faithful.” Human love often fails. Our priorities become confused. We promise much and deliver little. Yet God’s love remains constant. His faithfulness does not depend on our perfection. His steadfast love becomes the foundation on which we can rebuild our lives.
Many people today struggle not because they are doing evil things, but because they are trying to do too many things. Work, family, technology, ambitions, responsibilities, and distractions compete for attention. We become busy but not fruitful. The Gospel invites us to ask a simple question: What occupies the first place in my heart?
If money comes first, everything will be measured by profit. If success comes first, relationships will become secondary. If self-interest comes first, love will gradually disappear. But if God comes first, then every other relationship acquires its proper meaning and purpose.
Saint Augustine once wrote, “My weight is my love; wherever I am carried, my love is carrying me.” What we love most determines the direction of our lives. Jesus therefore invites us to prioritize rightly: God first, neighbour second, self in proper order. This is not merely a moral principle; it is the path to the Kingdom.
Today let us examine our priorities. What receives the best of our time, energy, thoughts, and affection? What occupies our minds when we wake up and when we go to sleep? The answer reveals what truly stands at the centre of our lives.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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