Jesus says that the second commandment resembles the first. Why is this? Could it be that loving one’s neighbour and loving oneself is somehow linked to loving God? God has lovingly created the neighbour, all of God’s creation, including us. Can I show my love for God by loving my neighbour and myself? We remember that God took on the form of a
human person in Jesus. In Jesus, divinity and humanity meet. In Christ, divinity is shown to be one with humanity. Can I think of myself and all others as one with God? What impact does this have on me?
In Genesis, we read that God created all and that “God saw it was good”. In God’s eyes, we are more than enough. St Ignatius Loyola says, “God is in all things.” If
God is in our neighbour, then by loving our neighbour, we love God. God is present within us, and when we love ourselves, we love God. What God creates in love, sustains in love and redeems in love must be valued by God. Will we respond in love to God and to all that God has created, including ourselves?
Also, in Genesis, we see that we are created in the image of
God. What an expression of God’s love! I must look at my neighbour and remember that and see myself in that same light. This gives dignity to all. Jesus so valued God’s creation that he died for that which God had created in overflowing love. Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13)
Reflections by Kath Knowles
