30th Sunday of Ordinary Time

We often face a temptation to overcomplicate the spiritual life. We worry about if what we do is pleasing to God and create stress for ourselves worrying about how well we are following His will. This Sunday’s Gospel teaches us that following Christ is actually pretty simple. In the midst of the many commandments, teachings, and precepts of the Church, Jesus teaches that it all boils down to two things: Love God and love your neighbor. St. Augustine once said, “Love God and do what you will.” In other words, if you are truly loving God with all your heart, you don’t have to stress over the specifics.

Though it’s simple, following Christ is not always easy. But praise be to God, we don’t have to rely on our own strength. The responsorial psalm prays, “I love you, O LORD, my strength.” God is the one who pours everything into us so we can in turn pour it back out to Him and to one another. As we do so, we manifest God’s love to the world through our love for our neighbor.

Am I generous in my love for God and my neighbor or do I hold parts of myself back?

What is one concrete act of love I can make for God this week?

What is one concrete act of love I can make for my neighbor this week?