The First Great Commandment

The First Great Commandment

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         What is the First Great Commandment?  The Gospel of Mark says it best.  “Hear Oh Israel, The Lord Our God, the Lord is One.  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  How do we do this?

         Earlier this month, I wrote three articles.  They are entitled, “The First Commandment”, “The Second Commandment”, and “The Third Commandment”.  These articles go into detail as to how to keep them and refrain from sin.  The First Great Commandment is a summary of the first three commandments of the Mosaic Law.  We as human beings must keep God at the forefront of our minds by refraining from idol worship, not using God’s name for any malevolent purposes, swearing a false oath, perjury, and by not worshipping the one True God.

         Now some of us may say that this is all negative energy.  Positive energy requires us to worship God every day of the week especially on Sunday and Holy Days.  Always remember, God is a perfect being who has no beginning and will have no end.  He imparted to humans his own creative genius where we work with “matter”.  We did not bring this matter into existence.  He did!!  He is the Creator; we are the created.  Human beings are a mere spark from the infinite scope of God.  Humans are small creatures compared to Almighty God.  Humans owe God praise, worship, and thanksgiving.  By keeping our minds on these acts, humans humble themselves before the Living God.  Keep these thoughts in your heart always.  On Sundays and Holy Days, we bring our humble selves to God in communal worship and prayer.  We praise and glorify God by recalling all that He has done for us.

         We reflect and revel in the Divine Presence celebrating what our culture and social lives teach us.  All that we are and will ever be, we lay before the Lord and ask for his continued blessings.  We also ask the Lord to correct anything that is displeasing to Him.  Always tell God your plans.  If they come to fruition, God has approved them or He is trying to teach us a lesson.  If your plans are halted, be thankful that Our Lord did not want us to make a fool of ourselves.  He is all-merciful!!

         By doing all these things, we find rest in God.  This rest will increase our energy levels for the week ahead if God grants us that time on earth.  Otherwise, it prepares us for the journey to the Father’s House by physical death.

         I personally thank God the Holy Spirit for the inspiration to write these articles.  You are reading what a humble vehicle of God (myself) has put to paper some of the collective wisdom acquired during my life.

         Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Praise be to God.  See you in Paradise.