In the Gospel readings of the last few Sundays, we find Jesus in conflict with Jewish leaders who are out to destroy him. So today’s Gospel begins with yet another device, yet another trick question, yet another trap, designed to ensnare or incriminate Jesus. But on this occasion we hear from him no answering word of sharp rebuke or harsh condemnation. Instead we have just his luminous response, about the two-fold commandment of love. It’s spoken without any hesitation, and with total authority; so simple yet so profound; a distillation of all his own teaching, and of all divine revelation; few words, yet shot through with the Holy Spirit, and with heavenly wisdom; words that touch our deepest yearnings, and that come to us as refreshment, and consolation, and blessing.

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Of course the order of the two loves is essential, as are their different qualities. Love of God first: with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind. Anything less than that would be unworthy of God, and unworthy of us also. Then, secondly, and in strict dependence on the first: love of neighbour; love that is similar, but not the same. We love our neighbour as one made in God’s image; we love them as one who with us is utterly dependent on God; who with us is in total need of God’s blessing and mercy. We desire our neighbour’s good, as we desire our own good. This good must ultimately be a right relationship with God.

Actually we can only love others rightly and adequately when the first love is properly in place.

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The Scribes and Pharisees could accept the conclusion of Jesus today, that the twin commandment of love is an adequate summary of the whole Old Testament. So the question arises: if that is so, what difference does Jesus make? And we answer at once: of course the difference he makes is radical and transforming.

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Excerpt from a homily given at Pluscarden Abbey

 

A lawyer is testing Jesus: which of the 613 precepts in the Law is the most important? Jesus’ reply is that we should love God with our whole being: heart, soul and mind.  As we stand for the Gospel and make the sign of the cross on our head, lips and heart, we strive to live out God’s Word in all that we say, do and are. 

Jesus’ second commandment also requires our total commitment, with no half measures.  We are called to love our neighbour as ourselves.  So, just as I would like to have enough to eat, have a roof over my head, live in safety and flourish, I should want the same for my neighbour, whoever and wherever they are. 

I am struck by the term “commandment” together with “love”. God does not command what he does not already give. Our love of God and neighbour comes as a free response to having been first loved by God. God’s superabundant love for me, witnessed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and also in all creation, flows into and through my being as the Spirit of love to be returned to God and spread through all God’s creation. 

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Spirit of God, flow through us and empower us in our worship of God and care for our neighbour. Amen 

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Reflection and prayer by Sue Cooper, CAFOD

October - month of the Holy Rosary

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The Holy Rosary is considered a perfect prayer because within it lies the awesome story of our salvation. With the Rosary we meditate the mysteries of joy, of sorrow, of glory and of light of Jesus and Mary. It’s a simple prayer, humble so much like Mary.
It’s a prayer we can all say together with Her, the Mother of God. With the Hail Mary we invite Her to pray for us. She joins Her prayer to ours.

 

The repetition in the Rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each Mystery. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ's spirit dwells. 

 

As you pray the Rosary during this month, you might reflect on the latest message from Medjugorje:
 

September 25, 2026: Our Lady's Monthly Message asks the faithful to renew family Rosary prayer for her intentions so she can intercede before the Most High for peace.

 

You can read the full text archive on the Medjugorje WebSite Latest Message. 

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For more inspiration and guides for praying the Rosary for peace, see the Cafod website.

2026 marks the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi's death in 1226.

Pope Leo XIV declared that it will be a special Year of St Francis in which we are all called to become saints in our world, following St Francis' example. We are called to model a holiness of life and witness to peace

 

Pope Leo has said:

"This Year of St Francis spurs all of us, each according to our possibilities to imitate the poor man of Assisi, to form ourselves as far as possible on the model of Christ... may the hope that has seen us as pilgrims now be transformed into zeal and fervour of active charity."

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The Holy Father has offered this prayer for the occasion:

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Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago
went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace,
intercede for us before the Lord.

You recognised true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano,
teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation
that breaks down every wall.

You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war
and misunderstanding,
give us the courage to build bridges
where the world raises up boundaries.

In this time afflicted by conflict and division,
intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers:
unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.

Amen

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Novena to St. Francis