'Shema' is Eucharistic in nature

We get used to many things in life, starting from our own mother to our own family, job and life. Somewhere down the line, one thing or person becomes the center of our life. It reaches to the level where that thing or person starts ruling us in every aspect of our lives. Our mind and hearts are so attached to it that we never think of a moment without it. For Jews, the Shema is one such thing. Torah in its entirety is so central to the Jews. The 10 commandments were removed from the daily prayer of the Jews in Mishnaic period between 70 and 200 A.D. It is also seen as a way of commemorating the 10 commandments.

The human mind is vulnerable and unpredictable that the driving force of our lives keeps changing according to our needs and moods: our whims and fancies. Gospel talk about serving two masters is not possible. Modern world is comfortable with variety of things ruling us, influencing us beyond control. God is seen as a factor: The God factor is reduced to something like visiting a patient in a hospital. Is God under medication? Is God suffering from cancer or heart attack? John Cage says, “The grand thing about the human mind is that it can turn its own tables and see meaninglessness as ultimate meaning.”

Everything came from God, through Love. God wills that love is our driving force for all the children of God. There is one common element that unites all human beings: the love of God. The ransom paid by God for our sins is so huge. That is the proof of his love: to make us heirs of the Kingdom as God’s children. Even if we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds and love others it would not be sufficient to fill the vacuum that we created through our infidelity and meaningless living. Continual attempts to renew our commitment to Shema would certainly help us focus on the heart of God.

"Harness the fire hidden in The Eucharist to bring about a true brotherhood and unity" says Cardinal Jaime Sin. Shema is Eucharistic in nature. Shema gets its energy from God; attempts to make us holy; leads us to join Him hand in hand for the sanctification of all. Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. Shema is the way we live the Eucharist. When we walk out from the Church after the mass, Shema fills our minds and hearts and takes possession of us to live as true witnesses. What are the things that rule my life at present? How do I make Shema my motivating principle in life? Amen.