No one wants to do the simple stuff
Well, it probably seemed simple to the “not perfect but pretty near” Son of God.
Human beings, though, seem convinced that two rules just aren’t enough. Love the Lord your God. How difficult have we made that with our liturgies and rituals, our approvals and judgements? Really, how dare we criticise the Pharisees when we secretly nod along with their perceived standards?
Here’s my hint: try believing that God loves you.
I wonder what happens when you look in the mirror, both literally and reflectively. I suspect you’re a bit like me. You see the wrinkles and blemishes. You think about time wasted or opportunities missed. You notice what you hide and what you wish you could change.
Eventually, you may admit to a few positives, a few things worth celebrating. But let’s keep that low key, shall we?
Loving ourselves, without exceptions or apologies, can be difficult. Yet it’s necessary. Love is easily distorted by the lens of shame and unworthiness, whether directed at ourselves or at others, unless we choose to accept it anyway.
So try looking in that mirror and believing that God loves you.
Not the “one day” version of you.
Not the “if only” version of you.
You.
Because when love is freely offered and freely accepted, it becomes so much easier to give away.
God. Neighbour. Self.
A trinity of love contained in a single command. Maybe it is that simple.
