A Scribe asked: Which is the greatest commandment? How can I simplify God’s wishes? Jesus answered with quick heavenly wisdom using a word not among the commandments. Jesus, with a non-conformist intelligence, is the most limpid icon of freedom and imagination.
The answer begins with a verb: you shall love! In future tense, indicating an infinite history because love opens life and joy; without love, there is no destiny: you shall love God and each other; otherwise, you will lose the image and likeness of God, which is your true identity.
“Shema,” which means “listen,” opens the floodgates of grace. We have two ears to listen to, and then our mouths may open and speak.
Consider keeping the Lord’s name tied to your wrist. Put him as a seal on your heart. God is not imposing but tender when he asks, “Listen to me, please.” To have life is to listen to him.
In a vision, St. Teresa of Avila received this confidence from the Lord: “For a single “I love you!” I would do the universe all over again.” Love in the annunciation, love in the God-made flesh, love in the Eucharist, love in the Cross, Love in the Holy Spirit. My Lord, eternally, you love me deeply, and I still forget to listen to you first?
The world’s cacophony deafens me. I don’t want more empty words on my behalf; I want to be of one heart with you, speak Lord! Your servant is listening.