One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!’”
Mark 12:28-29

In Mark 12, Jesus is questioned again about the law, this time by a scribe. There were 613 laws dictating Jewish behavior and scribes worked by scrutinizing each of them to help Jews apply those laws. This scribe is asking Jesus a question, not as a trap, but because he genuinely wants to know.

We, too, may wonder from time to time, “what is the most important commandment?”  There are many rules to follow and, frankly, it can be overwhelming. But Jesus cuts right to the truth: there is one God, one Lord. We need to remember, when we are tempted to put our faith elsewhere in this world, to use this commandment as our compass, always bringing ourselves back to that truth.

As we start this week reflecting on Mark’s gospel, let us remember that we are children of God and he alone deserves our devotion.  Take some time to consider what worldly ways you follow instead of God. Then pray Jesus’ prayer “The Lord, my God, is Lord alone.”