Some people think that the true and acceptable religion before God is one loaded with incessant prayers, numerous laws, rituals and other religious practices. Others imagine religion as something easy, without formalities or traditions. Its adherents seek joy, comfort and quick solutions to their problems. Some pastors even invent teachings that appeal to large numbers of followers but do not necessarily reflect the truth.
In Jesus’ time, Judaism comprised 613 laws derived from the first five books of the Bible (the Torah). It is said that even religious leaders struggled to bear the burden of observing all these laws. On one occasion, an interpreter of the Torah, believing Jesus to be a wise teacher, asked Him which of the laws was the greatest.
Jesus wisely replied that loving God and loving our neighbour were the greatest commandments and the spirit behind the entire Law (Matthew 22:34-40).
Indeed, LOVE is the spirit in which God gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments after delivering them from slavery in Egypt. He intended these commandments to help them remain faithful to Him and avoid becoming enslaved again, this time by sin.
The Catholic Church is also perceived by many as being burdened with numerous laws and teachings, sacraments, Masses, devotions to Mary and the saints, novenas and other religious practices. Fundamentally, however, the Church is commissioned to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples and preserve biblical truth through its core beliefs and practices (Matthew 28:19-20).
When we understand the law of love, we easily realise that these practices are not necessarily the essence of Christianity, although they are helpful in expressing our love for God and one another.
This is what prompted St Augustine to declare: ‘Love first and do what you will.’ He meant that when we walk in love, everything good and right becomes possible. True love bears good fruit. It is through this same love that we understand what religion demands of us and willingly fulfil it.
In other words, God seeks a relationship that comes from our hearts, not merely one founded on outward observance of laws. Societal laws, too, must be based on the great law of love; otherwise, they become oppressive rather than liberating.
The crux of the matter is that Christianity helps us reciprocate the very love of God, who created us. Because Jesus redeemed us out of love, we acknowledge Him as our Lord. We become true Christians by loving as He did, through both our words and deeds.
The best way to put this love into practice is by caring for those in need (Exodus 22:20-26).
Ultimately, true love is not something we earn; it is a gift of God’s grace. Therefore, let us continually ask God to fill us with His love in all its fullness and strive to put it into practice.