What is Religious?

We often ask people what is most important to them in life.  Various words come to mind – family, faith, love, and peace of mind, money or others.  Jesus is asked something like this in the conversation of today’s gospel. His most important word is love – anything in the religious tradition of the time is secondary to love of God and love of the neighbour.

In August 2012 a survey indicated that the Irish are among the least religious people of Europe. This came out of a sample of 1,000 people and indicates something to do with religious understanding and practice.  Maybe though we could challenge that we are most religious, not necessarily when we are in church or praying, but also when we are at our most loving and caring, or concerned for justice.

True religion is that, and is especially true when it cares for the needy. Jesus’ heart  went out mostly to people like that in his own time, especially any group who were outcast like people suffering from leprosy.

This can be the same today.  He is the one on the side of the needy, and most on our side when we are most needy.  This is the meaning and the reason for the Christian community – to be bearers of love in our world. We are all being called to share our treasures, values, environments and even new discoveries like vaccines with those who need them as much or even more than we do.

So maybe in Ireland we are much more religious than the survey shows!  When we love, in the smallest and biggest ways, among the family, neighbourhood and wider world, then we are religious in the name of Jesus.

Recall moments when you thought you were most ‘religious’ and
soon after were internally critical of other’s efforts.
Lord, may I find your love  in everything I encounter this week.

Donal Neary SJ