August 14 2023 Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest, Martyr
So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord your God and his decrees that I am commanding you today, for your own well-being.
From Deuteronomy 10:12-22, NRSV
Having previously listed all that God had done for the people of Israel – his Chosen People, Moses now invites a response and commitment from them. He lays out the expectation that they are to fear, love, obey and serve God. For us the word ‘fear’ has negative connotations but Moses was inviting the people to respond to God’s love with reverence and awe rather than in terror. In response to the great and often undeserved love and mercy they had been shown, the people are now called to show love and mercy in turn.
- Why do you think Moses called for this response from the people of Israel?
- What does it mean to love God with “all your heart and with all your soul?
Reflect on what it is that God calls you to today – and pray for the grace to do this whole-heartedly.
