In today’s Gospel, a scribe questions Jesus about the greatest commandment. Unlike other conversations we have read about, Jesus is approached not out of animosity but curiosity and admiration.

Jesus’ response is clear, and so are his expectations of his followers.

“The first is this: ‘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 neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Our reading of this Gospel follows the release of Pope Francis’ new pastoral letter. In it, he urges our global community to “rediscover the importance of the heart” and find our way back to peace. At a time of heightened global conflict and polarity, Pope Francis’ call echoes in our minds as we consider our purpose in this world—who we can be for others.

We may not know the complete answer, but Jesus offers a meaningful way to start: To love our neighbors as ourselves.