In the gospel for this Sunday, the scribes test Jesus on His understanding of the commandments. When He responds “You shall love the Lord your God”, he is not ordering us to love, but rather pointing out that the natural response to a God who gives us all we have that is good, is to love Him with our entire being. It does not require conjuring up of some deep emotional feeling. It is enough to simply reflect on even just one of the things that He gives us, such as our very life, the people whom we love and who love us in return, or even the splendor of the created world. The second commandment is the natural progression of the first - when we truly love God from the depths of our soul, we can’t help but love all that He has created – including ourselves and others. As you prepare for Mass this weekend spend a few moments thinking about how the people whom God has placed in your life reflect His presence. As a special challenge, take some time this week to consciously seek the good in someone who may be difficult to love.