July 24, Friday Weekday

Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.--John 6:68

Mass readings: Exodus 20:1-17 / Matthew 13:18-23

Our Primary Job

When he was four, our grandson got a mini-lesson in finances from his mother, our daughter. Trying to instruct him that they couldn't buy everything his heart desired, Catherine told Sebastian, ''Mommy and Daddy work hard at our jobs to pay for our house, food, clothes and needful things.'' ''But I have a job, too,'' he responded. ''And what is that?'' Catherine asked. ''My job is to love,'' Sebastian answered.

I thought about that when I read today's passage from Exodus where the Lord handed down the Ten Commandments. A priest once remarked that when we observe the Greatest Commandment, to love, we observe all the others. When we love, we will not steal, lie, commit adultery, kill, dishonor, covet. Sebastian makes a good point. Everyone's primary job is to love.

Prayer: God, our Father, help us to love with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength.