This is the Way - Fr. Gregory - February 4, 2024

Published: Feb. 5, 2024, 2:27 a.m.

b'In this week\\u2019s Gospel reading, Jesus answers the question posed to him as a challenge from the Pharisees: \\u201cWhich is the greatest commandment?\\u201d He says the greatest two commandments are to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Fr. Gregory explains how we may fulfill these two commandments by referencing the Didache. This was a document from the early church, \\u201cthe teaching of the twelve apostles,\\u201d written around the year 100 or even earlier. The Didache opens with Jesus\\u2019 saying from today\\u2019s Gospel reading: \\u201cThere are two ways; one of life and one of death, and between the two ways there is a great difference. Now this is the way of life: first, you must love God who made you, and second, your neighbor as yourself.\\u201d This idea of the \\u201ctwo ways\\u201d has its origins in Deuteronomy, when Moses tells the Israelites, \\u201cI have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life\\u2026\\u201d

The Didache suggests three things we can do to live out these two greatest commandments, choosing the way of life. First, we can be humble. Second, we can give to those in need, praying for discernment in how to give. Third, we can come to church, confessing our sins and celebrating the Eucharist.

Finally, Fr. Gregory concludes by emphasizing the teaching of the Didache that says, \\u201cIf you can bear the Lord\\u2019s full yolk, you will be perfect. If you cannot, then do what you can.\\u201d The church and Jesus have set a very high bar, and the way of life is narrow. However, we must not despair if we cannot always live according to God\\u2019s commands. We must do what we can, being humble, giving with discernment, and going to church with a good conscience. This is the way of life.'