The Heart of Faith: When Love Transcends Duty
Intro: We are called to let love guide our actions, even when it takes us in unexpected directions.
Scriptures:
Deuteronomy 6:2-6,
Hebrews 7:23-28,
Mark 12:28-34.
Reflection
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
In a quiet town, an older woman named Sonia devoted every Sunday to preparing food for her church’s community lunch. Each week, she would rise before dawn to gather fresh vegetables from her garden, lovingly crafting her best stew and bread. Her presence at these lunches was both expected and deeply valued, and Sonia herself believed it was her duty. It was more than just a routine—it was her personal connection to faith, and she took immense pride in serving her community.
One Sunday, however, Sonia’s steadfast routine was disrupted when her son, whom she rarely saw, appeared at her door. He looked weary, burdened by unseen troubles, and asked if they could talk. In that moment, Sonia felt a tug at her heart—a desire to sit with her son, to listen and be the mother he needed. Yet, as she glanced at her packed bags and thought of her commitment to the church, she felt the weight of obligation. She was torn between her role in the community and her role as a mother.
As she stood in her doorway, a profound realisation dawned on her. She remembered Jesus’ teaching in Mark 12:28-34, where he emphasised that the greatest commandments were to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one’s neighbour as oneself. In that moment, Sonia understood that love does not always fit neatly into our routines or expectations. Right then, her “neighbour” was her son. Setting down her bags, she opened her arms and welcomed him in.
That afternoon, mother and son spoke for hours. Her son shared hidden struggles, and Sonia’s quiet presence offered him a love that was warm, attentive, and unconditional. Although she missed the community lunch, she found herself living the very essence of faith in her living room. In choosing love over obligation, Sonia embodied the heart of Jesus’ message—to let love guide, even when it leads us away from familiar duties.
Sonia’s story illustrates a choice many of us face: the pull between fulfilling expected roles and responding to the genuine needs of those closest to us. In Mark 12, Jesus is asked by a scribe which commandment is the greatest, and his answer distills the essence of faith: it is love, not ritual, that matters most. Much like the scribe seeking guidance in the complexity of religious laws, Sonia faced a moment of clarity. She realised that true faith goes beyond routines; it calls us to love in the most human, intimate moments.
This teaching challenges us to look closely at our own lives. Are we serving out of love, or merely out of habit and obligation? True faith is not confined to routine but is revealed in the quiet choices to prioritise compassion over duty. Sonia’s choice to stay with her son rather than attending her church commitment reminds us that Jesus’ command to love transcends mere adherence to duties. Like Sonia, we’re called to let love guide our actions, even when it takes us in unexpected directions.
Jesus’ response to the scribe speaks directly to our daily lives and the tension between obligations and authentic expressions of love. Many of us have felt a shift in our understanding of religious practices or obligations—where once they brought joy and meaning, they now feel burdensome. Perhaps attending church, fulfilling family commitments, or even organising social gatherings has become an obligation rather than an expression of genuine love. Jesus’ words call us back to a faith centred on love, inviting us to rediscover meaning and purpose in our actions by asking ourselves whether they are grounded in compassion.
Sonia’s story reflects this teaching, showing us that faith is not about strictly fulfilling obligations but about discerning the voice of love in each moment. Like the scribe seeking clarity, Sonia found herself pulled between roles, and in choosing her son’s need over her church duty, she lived out the commandment to love. Jesus’ response to the scribe—a call to love God fully and to love one’s neighbour as oneself—simplifies life’s demands and brings clarity amid complexity.
Sonia’s choice to stay with her son also aligns with Jesus’ teaching on justice, mercy, and compassion. By recognising her son as her “neighbour,” Sonia embraces a love that goes beyond the outward actions of faith, choosing instead to practice true presence and compassion. Jesus’ critique of the Pharisees who neglected human needs for the sake of ritual illuminates Sonia’s decision to prioritise her son. Her act reminds us that faith, at its core, is not bound by schedules but is revealed in our willingness to show up for those who need us.
This perspective also calls into question the ways we view religious duties. For Sonia, her commitment to the church lunch was a cherished ritual, yet her choice to stay with her son illustrates that faith is not about fulfilling obligations but about responding to the real needs before us. It’s a reminder that acts of service, worship, or community involvement gain depth when rooted in love. Jesus’ teaching invites us to infuse our rituals with meaning by focusing on love rather than obligation.
Through Sonia’s story, Jesus’ teaching in Mark 12:28-34 becomes a practical guide, urging us to let love, not duty, drive our choices. It’s a call to let go of empty routines, checking our actions against the guiding principle of love and compassion. This invitation speaks to anyone who has ever struggled to balance social expectations, religious obligations, or personal responsibilities, offering clarity and focus amid life’s many demands.
Consider Kevin, a father so focused on work he had little time for his family. One evening, his young daughter asked him why he did not play with them anymore, prompting him to rethink his priorities. Inspired by the commandment to “love your neighbour,” Kevin realised his family needed his presence more than his financial support alone. Restructuring his life, he found new joy and purpose in spending time with his loved ones, allowing love to guide his actions rather than the demands of work alone.
Similarly, Aro Mary, a teacher, felt overwhelmed by her responsibilities and disconnected from her students. One day, she noticed a student struggling and, remembering Jesus’ commandment, took time to offer support and guidance. Although this wasn’t a requirement of her job, her decision to prioritise compassion over obligation transformed her teaching, helping her rediscover the heart of her vocation.
Or consider Susai, who cared for his aging parents out of a sense of duty. Initially, his caregiving felt like a burden, but reflecting on Jesus’ words, he began to see his role as an act of love rather than an obligation. Embracing this perspective, Susai found a renewed sense of purpose, approaching each day with patience and compassion. His caregiving became a source of peace and joy as he recognised the love underlying his actions.
These stories mirror Jesus’ teaching to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbour as ourselves. Each example reflects the same truth: love goes beyond the surface of obligation, revealing itself in moments of genuine connection, compassion, and presence. When we choose to live from this place of love, our actions become more than tasks—they become expressions of faith and devotion.
Jesus’ words in Mark 12:28-34 offer us a profound reminder that love, not duty, should be the guiding force of our lives. Through Sonia, Kevin, Aro Mary, and Susai’s stories, we see how love transforms duty into meaning, fulfilling the greatest commandments. Whether comforting a friend, caring for family, or simply being present, love turns ordinary actions into acts of faith. In letting love lead, we connect deeply with ourselves, others, and God, fulfilling our highest calling in the simplest yet most profound ways.
May the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all. Amen…
