Last weekend we heard the readings for the Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, in which Jesus and one of the scribes discuss which is the most important commandment, and Jesus articulates love of God and love of neighbor. In is homily on Saturday evening, Fr. Newton describes loving God by love of neighbor and vice versa as "the most fundamental principle of all religions, especially Christianity." The two are inseparable, he says, and then offers some practical suggestions on how to love our neighbor.
In his Sunday morning homily, Fr. Mark reminds us that we need not take on extensive penances or sacrifices, because there is a great deal to do in simply loving God and neighbor. He offers to specific areas in which many of us need work and can strive to show our love of God in simple ways: by reining in our wandering minds during Mass and prayer, and by resisting the urge to leave Mass early.
Check out the readings and homilies in English and Spanish at the links below:
- Readings in English (USCCB)
- Homily: Fr. Arockiya Newton (Audio)
- Homily: Fr. Mark Innocenti (Audio) Note: You may need to turn up the volume.
- Lecturas en Español (USCCB)
- Homilia: Fr. Raymond Monsour (Español) (Audio)