ACC ~ Mark 12 v31a

CONFESSING THROUGH ACTIONS

PSEUDO- CLEMENT: So then, brothers, let us acknowledge him in our actions by loving one another, [1] by not committing adultery [2] or slandering one another [3] or being jealous, [4] but by being self-controlled, compassionate and kind. [5] And we ought to have sympathy for one another, and not be avaricious. By these actions let us acknowledge him, and not by their opposites. 2 CLEMENT 3.4. [6]

[1] Cf. Jn 13:35; 15:12; 1 Jn 3:11.

[2] Cf. Ex 20:14; Gal 5:19.

[3] Cf. Prov 10:18.

[4] Cf. Prov 6:34.

[5] Cf. Eph 4:32; 1 Pet 3:8.

[6] AF 69-70; cf. FC 1:67; TLG 1271.002, 4.3.1-4.2.

THE SUMMIT OF VIRTUE

CHRYSOSTOM: This is the summit of virtue, the foundation of all God’s commandments: to the love of God is joined also love of neighbor. [1] One who loves God does not neglect his brother, nor esteem money more than a limb of his own, but shows him great generosity, mindful of him who has said, “Whoever did it to the least of my brothers did it to me.” [2] He is aware that the Lord of all considers as done to himself what is done in generosity to the poor in giving relief. He does not take into consideration the lowly appearance of the poor, but the greatness of the One who has promised to accept as done to himself what is given to the poor. [3] HOMILIES ON GENESIS, HOMILY 55.12. [4]

[1] Cf. Mt 22:39; Mk 12:31; Lk 10:27.

[2] Mt 25:40.

[3] Cf. Mt 25:31-46.

[4] FC 87:113*; TLG 2062.112, 54.483.19-34.

LOVING GOD THROUGH NEIGHBORS

BEDE: Neither of these two kinds of love is expressed with full maturity without the other, because God cannot be loved apart from our neighbor, nor our neighbor apart from God. [1] Hence as many times as Peter was asked by our Lord if he loved him, and attested his love, the Lord added at the end of each inquiry, “Feed my sheep,” or “feed my lambs,” [2] as if he were clearly saying: “There is only one adequate confirmation of whole-hearted love of God—laboring steadily for the needy in your midst, exercising continuing care of them.” EXPOSITION ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK 2.22. [3]

[1] Mt 22:37-39; Mk 12:30-31; Lk 10:27.

[2] Jn 21:15-17.

[3] Cetedoc 1367, 2.22.4; HOG 2:220**.