Retired
Sisters of St. Joseph Retreat
St.
Joseph’s Villa
June 6,
2013
LACK OF
CONTROVERSY ++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Story has all structural characteristics of a
“controversy story” but omits the controversy
Ø
Ordinarily, the scribes & J are at odds on almost
all things religious
Ø
Bend over backwds to test, trick, & expose
as fraud
THE SCRIBE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Here, however, 1 of scribes overheard J in a
dispute, & he’s impressed w/ answers J presents
Ø
Rather than criticize him, scribe invites him 2 join
a rabbinic discussion re ranking & importance of commandments
Ø
Would include not only the 10 Commandments, but
also 613 additional commandments that Moses is received orally from G
Ø
No subterfuge is intended in the scribes’
question, “Which is the first of all the
commandments?”
Ø
Not question of numerical ranking but has more 2
do w/ importance
JESUS’ RESPONSE ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
J combines typical Shema of Dt 6:45 w/ emphasis on loving one’s neighbor as self (Lv
19:18)
Ø
Neither emphasis would B strange or radical at
time of J, uniqueness lies in combining them & declaring them 1!
Ø
Commands express different views of same reality
APPLICATION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
In direction ask 1 having challenges in
relationship w/ others, which <, relationship w/ G or w/ others
Ø
Then suggest she use < bonding 2 incr the
weaker
Ø
If faith in G < act out of that grace 2 love
others
Ø
If good solid relationship exist and faith in
God is being tested, use the grace of friends and other sisters to strengthen her
faith and trust in God
CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
This is an effective way to grow spiritually
because we have Jesus’ assurance the both commands express different views of
the same reality
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
