Five times in today's first Eucharistic reading, the text mentions a behavior or attitude to be adopted, and follows that command with a reminder that God is the Lord. This repetition is of great importance. A lord is one who is ruler, master, and owner. A lord's commands are absolute. They must be obeyed.

God is the Lord (Lv 19:1, 2). Jesus is the Lord (Jn 9:38). The Holy Spirit is the Lord (2 Cor 3:17-18). The commandments of the Lord are absolute and must be obeyed. Hence, the commands given are followed by "I am the Lord." Nonetheless, this Lord's commands are "perfect, refreshing the soul" (Ps 19:8). They are "right...clear...pure...true" and are a source of joy to our hearts (Ps 19:9-10). His commands are spirit and life (Jn 6:63). "His commandments are not burdensome" (1 Jn 5:3).

Everything in life boils down to Jesus Christ, the Lord. Whatever we do in life, we do for or against Him (Mt 25:31-46). Jesus is our Lord. He bought us by paying the price in His own blood (1 Cor 6:20). He commands us with absolute lordship that must be obeyed, yet He first loved us and gave His life for us (Jn 3:16). There is no doubt. Jesus is Lord, and He is Lord of our life. Yet He still comes to serve us (Mt 20:28). Will we accept Him as Lord? Will we serve Him as Lord?

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018

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