Your Role in God's Plan

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The wonderful thunder storms in our area knocked out power and the video for yesterday's devotional was lost, but is found: https://youtu.be/4EQG3zJ_FLo. Today's Video:: https://bit.ly/4fdE1A9. •The audio podcast link is not working and thus no audio only broadcast today. Sorry!

Also, prayers for Mrs. Elisa Gaytan as she has been placed in Hospice care Tuesday night and is declining rapidly. Pray for her comfort and for the strength and peace for her loved ones.

1 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. 2 Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 3 Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” 5 “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. 13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” 16 Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. 17 The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. (Ruth 3:1-5; 14:3-17 NIV)

When God calls us to service, we might have to move. Yes, like in leaving mother and father behind and brothers and sisters. And you might even meet someone you did not expect to meet. And you might fall in love and marry that person. Okay, that was my story, and I'm sticking to it. But, my story may be your story and your story might be like the one in this passage. We visit Ruth again this week. Last week as we met her, she and her mother-in-law suffered loss of sons and for Ruth and her sister-in-law, husbands, The brave one in this story was Ruth, who although being a Moabitess, decided she wanted Israel to be her country and promised that her mother-in-law's God would be her God. Fast forward to today, where Naomi is concerned about Ruth's future and seeks to find her a secure home and future. Ruth had been working for a man named Boaz, and it turns out is a relative of Naomi, who has a strategy for a way for Ruth to meet him in a personal way. Her advice is for Ruth to bathe, to put on perfume and to dress in her best clothing. Naomi tells Ruth to go to where Boaz will be working and to wait until he has eaten and drinking and then to go to where he lies down to go and uncover Boaz' feet and to lie down next to him. It worked! Boaz took Ruth as his wife. Ruth conceives and bears a son, who was named Obed and his son was named Jesse, and Jesse's son was named David. Yes, as in King David.

Ruth’s obedience to Naomi’s guidance reveals her trust in both her mother-in-law and the unfolding of God’s plan. She follows Naomi's instructions, demonstrating her willingness to step into a new and vulnerable situation in hopes of finding redemption.

This passage reminds us of the importance of mentorship and guidance in our lives. Just as Naomi provides wisdom and support to Ruth, we, too, can seek out mentors and become mentors for others. It also challenges us to be open to new opportunities, trusting that God is at work even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

In Ruth 4:13-17, we witness the culmination of Ruth's journey. Boaz marries her, and she bears a son, Obed, who becomes part of the lineage of David and ultimately, Jesus. This beautiful conclusion highlights the theme of redemption—not just for Ruth, but for the entire community. Through Ruth's faithfulness and willingness to follow God's plan, a new beginning emerges, showcasing how God can bring good out of difficult circumstances.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the story of Ruth and the lessons it imparts about trust, obedience, and redemption. Help us to be open to Your guidance and to seek wisdom from those around us. Give us courage to embrace new opportunities and the strength to mentor others as we journey through life together. May we always remember that You are at work in our lives, bringing hope and restoration. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: As we reflect on these passages, we can consider our own lives and the ways in which God might be calling us to act. Are there areas where we need to seek guidance? Do we trust that God can bring redemption and new beginnings, even from our struggles?

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Once For All!

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24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. 25 Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:24-28 NIV Bible)

"Who am I to do this?" A question I ask myself whenever I am called upon to officiate at a special service, and especially a sacrament. I look at my hands and have repeatedly washed them but I ask if my heart is washed, and if my spirit is indeed ready to be God's represenative at this event. And then I say, "Thank You Jesus for doing this and allowing me to be involved in some small way."

The book of Hebrews presents a powerful theological perspective on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice, contrasting it with the rituals of the old covenant. As we delve into Hebrews 9:24-28, we are confronted with profound truths about Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice and its implications for our lives today.

Heavenly Reality vs. Earthly Ritual: The author emphasizes that Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary; He entered the very presence of God in heaven. This distinction underscores the futility of earthly sacrifices that could never fully atone for sin. As we reflect on this, we must ask ourselves: Are we holding onto rituals or practices that lack real transformative power? Are we sometimes more focused on our religious duties than on the relationship with Christ that those duties should foster?

Finality of the Sacrifice: The concept of “once for all” is a cornerstone of our faith. Jesus’ sacrifice does not need repetition; it was sufficient for all time. This finality should encourage us to let go of guilt and shame that we often carry from our past. Instead of being bound by our failures, we are invited to embrace our identity as forgiven and redeemed children of God. How might we live differently if we truly believed in the completeness of His sacrifice?

Living in Anticipation: The passage concludes with a reminder that Christ will return—not to deal with sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. This anticipation should invigorate our faith and our daily lives. Are we living in such a way that reflects our hope in Christ’s return? How do we share this hope with those around us, especially in a world that often feels hopeless?

This text invites us to reflect on our faith journey—encouraging us to prioritize our relationship with Christ and to be intentional about living out our beliefs in a way that honors His sacrifice.

PRAYER: Awesome God, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary to offer Himself for our sins. Help us to grasp the fullness of His sacrifice and to live in the freedom it provides. May we let go of guilt and shame, embracing our identity as Your beloved children. As we await Christ’s return, ignite in us a passion to share this hope with others, reflecting Your love and grace in our daily lives. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take time this week to reflect on the significance of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. Consider journaling your thoughts about how this truth can reshape your understanding of sin, guilt, and redemption. Identify one area in your life where you need to let go of past failures and embrace the freedom that comes from His grace. Additionally, find ways to share the hope of Christ’s return with someone in your circle—whether through conversation, an encouraging note, or a small act of kindness.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Give God Your All

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38 As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, 39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40 They devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation." 41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on." (Mark 12:38-44 NRSV)

Dear Friend, please be in prayer for the family of The Rev. Beverley Burk, who died this weekend. Beverly is the wife of The Rev. Ricky Burk and alongside him served at Boerne FUMC before going on medical leave. Nellie and I came to know Beverly well when she accompanied us to Princeton, NJ, on a trip for the Board of Ordained Ministry. Beverley was a woman of faith and compassion. Her leadership blessed many and her ministry was cut short by her medical challenges. We mourn her life, but celebrate her faithfulness and fruitfulness in her service to our Lord.

I had only one grandmother growing up. My maternal grandmother Bernarda Jimenez, died when my mother was eleven years old. Petra Valverde was my Momó, who was with me throughout my life. She was the one who was divorced from my grandfather, and for many years worked as a housekeeper for a middle class family in Kingsville. An early memory I have of her is that the family with whom she worked had a loud parrot who knew her name and on some days while playing outside, I could hear that bird yell "Petra!" When we moved to Houston she moved with us. When I was ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1976, she bought my first clergy robe,a black robe from Cokesbury which cost in 1976 dollars, $300. She had somehow saved money to make what I consider a major purchase. Needless to say it is my favorite robe which signifies to me a major accomplishment, a dream realized, and an achievment of faithfulness. The robe now shows its age in its inner sleeves, but serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that I have had during 46 years of ministry. I kiss it everytime I wear it and I say softly, "Thank you, Momo" trying hard not to get emotional with the memory of her and the pain of her absence from my life for many years now. I wear my robe when required, given that Texas weather makes those days seem extra special, having even worn that black robe in outdoor settings. I only once said no to wearing the robe when I was asked to do a beachside wedding. I wear the robe humbly, still questioning why God would see fit to call me into His service.

Jesus knew the hearts of some of those who wore robes in His day as badges of honor, and privilege. The robes of the scribes was required garb every day. Scribes were not required to marry because of the demand of their vocation to the Word of God. Their robes were part of their identity and it allowed them the special places these robes got them as Jesus mentioned, "greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets!" It even got them into places where God did not want them, as Jesus further states, the homes of widows where they "devour widow's houses," meaning they literally ate them out of house and home, and some even claimed the homes as their own upon death. And to add insult to injury, they were known for their prayers of length not heartfelt meaning.

As Jesus sat near the treasury of the temple, a brass receptacle in which coinage was deposited, He had a good place to see all the money the crowds were placing in their offerings and tithes. Many loved to impress others with the sound of excessive amount of their coins going into the brass object. Then comes a widow, among the most vulnerable and perhaps lowest in terms of fiances and standing in society, and she put in two coins worth a penny. And Jesus' reaction is awesome: "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live one." BOOM. When Nellie and I went to the Holy Land, the number one request for us to bring back as a souvenir for family and friends, was the widow's mite, as the older versions of the Bible calls the coin she uses. We brought back enough to share with those who asked.

This passage has drawn us into a profound confrontation between appearance and reality, wealth and worth, pride and humility. Jesus’ scathing critique of the scribes is not merely about their external behavior; it penetrates to the heart of their motivations and priorities. They seek honor and recognition, basking in their perceived superiority. Yet, amidst their grand gestures, Jesus points to a quiet act of extraordinary faith—a widow who, in her destitution, offers all she has.

This moment invites us to wrestle with some challenging questions: What defines our value as givers? Is it the size of our donations, or is it the spirit in which we give? We live in a world that often equates success with wealth and influence. Jesus disrupts this narrative, teaching us that true generosity is measured not by the quantity of our contributions, but by the sacrifice involved. Are we more concerned with how we are perceived by others? The scribes loved the praise and recognition of men. In contrast, the widow’s anonymity and humility showcase a different kind of giving—one that arises from a deep trust in God’s provision. What might God be calling us to give? Like the widow, we may feel we have little to offer—be it time, resources, or talents. Yet, God values our willingness to give everything we have, no matter how small it may seem in the eyes of the world.

In a society that often prioritizes accumulation and recognition, this passage beckons us to redefine generosity. It urges us to examine our hearts and to consider what true sacrifice looks like in our own lives.

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the example of the widow who gave all she had. Help us to reflect on our own giving and to recognize the areas in our lives where we can offer more, trusting in Your infinite provision. May we seek to serve others in humility and love, not for recognition, but as a reflection of Your grace in our lives. Empower us to give freely, even when it feels like we have little to spare. Let our acts of generosity shine Your light in a world that often values the superficial. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Let us take a moment to reflect on our own giving—financially, spiritually, and relationally. Are we holding back because we fear we do not have enough to contribute? Challenge yourself to give in a way that stretches your faith this week. This might mean donating time to serve a local charity, reaching out to a friend in need, or even providing for someone who is less fortunate than you. Why not take time to anonymously bless someone without seeking recognition or reward. Let this act of giving become a testament to your trust in God’s provision, mirroring the widow’s humble heart.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

Trust in the Lord

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1 Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God! 2 All my life long I'll praise God, singing songs to my God as long as I live. 3 Don't put your life in the hands of experts who know nothing of life, of salvation life. 4 Mere humans don't have what it takes; when they die, their projects die with them. 5 Instead, get help from the God of Jacob, put your hope in God and know real blessing! 6 God made sky and soil, sea and all the fish in it. He always does what he says - 7 he defends the wronged, he feeds the hungry. God frees prisoners - 8 he gives sight to the blind, he lifts up the fallen. 9 protects strangers, takes the side of orphans and widows, but makes short work of the wicked. 10 God's in charge - always. Zion's God is God for good! Hallelujah! (Psalm 146 The Message Bible)

Most of my days in active ministry I would at the end of the day, pause, reflect and say, "I can't believe I get paid for doing this!" And yes, some days, I would say, "They're not paying me enough!" But I praise God that I had more of the getting paid for doing what I did. How about you? Do you have both of those kind of days? Which type of day usually wins out?

In Psalm 146, we are invited into a profound and joyous declaration of trust in God. Regardless of the day we have, we should turn to praising God! Notice how the psalmist begins with an emphatic call to praise, reminding us that our lives should be filled with gratitude and worship. This call is not just for a moment but for a lifetime. Our souls are called to celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God in all circumstances.

The psalmist warns us against placing our trust in mere humans or worldly systems. While it is easy to rely on experts, institutions, or wealth for security and hope, the reality is that these can ultimately fail us. They are transient, and their efforts cannot compare to the eternal and unchanging nature of God.

Instead, we are encouraged to seek help from the God of Jacob, who is depicted as a protector and provider. This God is not distant or indifferent; He actively defends the wronged, feeds the hungry, and sets captives free. The imagery in this psalm reminds us of God's heart for justice and compassion. He opens the eyes of the blind and lifts up those who are bowed down. In a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, we find reassurance in the steadfast nature of God.

Moreover, the psalm closes with the profound truth that God is always in charge. In a world where we often feel helpless, it is comforting to know that God reigns supreme. Our hope and security are found in Him alone.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we praise You with our whole hearts for Your faithfulness and goodness. Thank You for being our refuge and strength, the one who lifts us when we fall and defends the vulnerable. Help us to trust You more fully and to seek You in all aspects of our lives. May our faith shine brightly as we navigate challenges, and may we bring Your hope to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Take a moment to evaluate where you are placing your trust. Are there areas in your life where you have relied too heavily on human wisdom or resources? Make a conscious effort to shift your focus back to God. Identify one specific way to express your trust in Him, whether through prayer, service, or an act of kindness.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

A Lifetime of Loyalty

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1 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. 6 Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had considered his people and given them food. 7 So she set out from the place where she had been living, she and her two daughters-in-law, and they went on their way to go back to the land of Judah. 8 But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back each of you to your mother's house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The Lord grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband." Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud. 10 They said to her, "No, we will return with you to your people." 11 But Naomi said, "Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, 13 would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the Lord has turned against me." 14 Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 So she said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law." 16 But Ruth said, "Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die, I will die— there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!" 18 When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her. (Ruth 1:1-18 NRSV)

There is a tradition in Brazil, when a person has a birthday, she or he cuts the birthday cake and gives it to the person s/he loves the most. I learned it from a short video on social media, where a boy turning ten or so, cuts the cake and gives it to his little brother, who is maybe four or five and the little boy immediatley begins to cry and cannot stop hugging his big brother. Many of us learned through tradition or heritage that, at least in Disney movies, that true love is between a boy and girl, thus waking up Sleeping Beauty, but in their movie Frozen, true love's kiss was not between a boyfriend/girlfriend, and I won't give away the spoiler... This is a passage of one of the Bible's great love stories.

The story of Ruth is a profound narrative of loyalty, love, and faithfulness amidst hardship. In the midst of famine and personal loss, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, having heard that God has provided for His people. She faces a painful reality—losing her husband and both of her sons. In her grief, she urges her daughters-in-law to return to their families, believing that they would have a better chance at life and security without her.

Yet, Ruth’s response is one of radical commitment. Her declaration of loyalty to Naomi is powerful and profound. In her vow, “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay,” Ruth is not only expressing her love for Naomi but also embracing her new identity among God’s people. She chooses to leave her homeland, her gods, and everything familiar to her for the sake of a relationship founded on love and faith.

This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of our commitments. In times of hardship, who or what are we willing to cling to? Ruth teaches us that true loyalty and faith can lead to unexpected blessings. Her choice to follow Naomi ultimately positions her to become part of God's redemptive plan, highlighting how our decisions to support and love others can impact our destinies.

PRAYER: Loving and awesome God, thank You for the beautiful example of Ruth’s loyalty and love. Help us to embody the same spirit of commitment to those we love, especially in difficult times. Strengthen our hearts to reach out and support those in need, reflecting Your kindness and grace. May our actions draw others closer to You. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider how you can demonstrate loyalty and love to those around you. This week, reach out to someone who may be feeling isolated or burdened. Offer your support and remind them they are not alone.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr. Twitter Facebook Website

Complete and Sufficient

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11 But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), 12 he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God! (Hebrews 9:11-14 NRSV)

I was once an altar boy. Okay, an altar man. I suppose the correct word would be acolyte. It was the wedding of the building secretary, whom everyone loved and this long-awaited day came, and Nellie and I arrived early. The building in question is the Campus Ministry Center at then-Pan American University, owned and run by the Diocese of Brownsville, and The Rev. Jerry Frank was the Catholic priest in the building and Ofelia, the woman who was to be wed, had asked him to officiate at this blessed event. Father Jerry was walking back and forth and up and down the aisles of the large church and I asked him what was wrong. "My altar boy did not show up!" he said a bit angrily. "You want me to be the altar boy," I joked. "YES! Come on!" Gulp. I was only kidding. Jerry seldom kidded. He's from Minnesota ya know. So, I looked at Nellie and she was about to laugh and up I went. I was wearing a suit, so I didn't feel out of place and honestly, I felt honored to be a part of Ofelia's special day, because she went out of her way to make me feel a part of the building and all of the activities of same. What I did not count on was the part of the mass where the priest gave the couple the Sacrament and Father Jerry handed me the still very full chalice of very Catholic wine and said, under his breath, "Kill this." Huh? Thank God, two of the nuns from the building were up there with me, and they knew that I did not imbibe. Chuckling when they heard the command, they reached over towards my confused face and took the cup and in two quick gulps, they both "killed" the chalice. I still wonder about how Jesus may have felt about my not drinking His Blood on that occasion. I know that Jesus knows my heart and my thoughts on my personal decision to not drink spirits and my thankfulness for Dr. Welch and his marvelous invention of pasteurized grape juice. In this passage, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and the profound difference it makes in our lives. The old covenant involved the repeated sacrifices of animals, a temporary solution to the problem of sin. Each offering served as a reminder of the brokenness of humanity and the need for atonement. However, Christ’s coming changes everything. He is not merely a high priest; He is the perfect sacrifice, entering the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood.

As we reflect on these verses, we see that Christ’s sacrifice was once for all—complete and sufficient. It secured our eternal redemption, freeing us from the cycle of sin and guilt. His blood doesn’t just cover our sins; it purifies our very conscience, allowing us to approach God without fear. This is the essence of grace: unearned, unmerited favor that transforms our relationship with the Father.

The call to action here is clear: as recipients of this incredible gift, we are invited to live in response to His love. Let us not take this grace for granted but instead commit ourselves to worshiping the living God with our lives.

PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who entered the Holy Place and offered Himself for our redemption. Help us to fully grasp the magnitude of His sacrifice and to live in light of this truth. Purify our hearts and consciences so that we may worship You in spirit and in truth. Guide us in ways to express our gratitude and share Your love with others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Reflect on the ways you can express gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice. Consider practical steps to worship God daily, whether through prayer, service, or acts of kindness.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.

A Heart of Love

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28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions. (Mark 12:28-34 NIV)

Dear Friend, as we pray together, may we join in prayer for Mrs. Elisa Gaytan of Edinburg, who finds herself in the hospital after several days of not feeling well and doctors not being able to determine her malady. May God give her comfort and wisdom to the doctors so that she may be on the path of a speedy recovery! Thank you and God bless you and your needs as we pray for this dear lady.

In the 1980s, there was no book yet written devoted to teaching or learning about love. A very popular professor at a major university wanted to teach a course on love and searched high and low for a textbook on love. Nada. Nothing out there. So, the professor wrote one. Dr. Leo Buscaglia, remembered as "Dr. Love," was teaching at the University of Southern California (USC) when he wrote the book called Love. To sum up this book and much of what he taught we have this very powerful quote:

Buscaglia's message is simple yet profound: "Love is open arms. If you clsoe your arms about love, you will find that you are lfet holding only yourself."

What Dr. B discovered is that we usually learn love from our parents or those adults who are charged with our development. It is our hope that we were taught to love in a genuine and open way. Sadly, we know that that it not so. Some people love only those whom they were taught to love; usually those who look, sound, dress, and smell like us. Any others, unlike us, are not welcome. We find that we change that thinking if we expand our horizons and interact with more people.

Enter Jesus. What a man! What a God! Jesus was love and His ministry was all about love. And as such, we should not be shocked to know that He was killed by those who did not love Him. Yet, His ministry was about love and in today's passage we come to Him being asked about the commandments. The commandments were the specialty of the teachers of the law, and one of them comes to Jesus and asks Him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" Hmm, is this subjective or objective? Jesus knows: "The most important one, is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the lord is one. Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

In this passage, Jesus distills the essence of the law into two profound commandments that capture the heart of our faith. The first commandment calls us to love God wholeheartedly—with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This holistic love requires our complete devotion, not merely in moments of worship but woven into the fabric of our daily lives. It challenges us to ask: How can I love God more fully today?

The second commandment directs our love outward toward others: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This isn’t just about the people we like or those who are easy to love. It pushes us to reflect on our attitudes toward everyone in our lives, including those who may be different from us or even difficult to love. In a world rife with division, these two commandments are a unifying call to action, inviting us to embody a love that transcends boundaries.

What’s significant in this interaction is the recognition of the teacher of the law who acknowledges that loving God and others surpasses ritualistic practices. Jesus affirms him, saying, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Herein lies a powerful truth: our proximity to God’s kingdom is not about our adherence to rules or traditions but our willingness to love.

As you meditate on this passage, consider how love is both the foundation and the expression of your faith. Reflect on how your love for God influences your relationships with others. Are there ways in which you can cultivate this love more deeply?

PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the gift of Your love and for teaching us what it means to love You and those around us. Help us to internalize these commandments and to embody Your love in our actions. May our hearts overflow with compassion and kindness, drawing us closer to Your kingdom. Guide us as we strive to live out our faith authentically. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Seek a practical way to express your love for God and your neighbor today. This might mean dedicating time for prayer and worship, serving someone in need, or reaching out to a neighbor with kindness.

I love you and I thank God for you!

Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.