Friday of the 3rd Week of Lent: HOS 14:2-10; MK 12:28-24
This dialogue in Mark’s Gospel occurs in the last week of Jesus’ life after many contentious encounters with scribes and others. But Jesus allows this scribe to respond honestly; he listens to the person, does not presume opposition. To which of his disciples did he ever say, “You are not far from the kingdom of God”? Such courtesy may not always be easy but is always possible: listen to the person, discover the common ground.