March 13, 2026
Friday of the Third Week of Lent
Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

We often act like the scribe in the Gospel, believing that by following the basic principles of worldly laws, we can survive and improve our lives. We even become calculating, seeking the greatest return for the smallest cost.
We also often resemble that scribe, searching among the sacred words proclaimed by the Church—the very precepts taught to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, the commandments—for those that benefit us. We reject whatever seems disadvantageous, following only the laws we deem important while neglecting those we consider secondary. This tendency stems from our Original Sin; sin makes us restless and robs us of true freedom.
Today, Jesus teaches us two commandments: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (cf. Mk 12:29-31) He does not intend to abolish the other commandments, but rather to reveal the essence of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. For us, the Ten Commandments are not a burdensome set of rules, but a law of love. God asks us to love Him, saying, “I, the Lord, show mercy to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments” (cf. Ex 20:6), and He further asks us to do good to others (cf. Ex 20:12-17). All this corresponds perfectly with what Jesus said.
In this Lenten season, let us never forget to encounter God through prayer, to daily read the Word of God, and to listen to His teachings. In our lives, let us always follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, living according to the spirit of the Gospel.

Pour your grace into our hearts, we pray, O Lord, that we may be constantly drawn away from unruly desires and obey by your own gift the heavenly teaching you give us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica