Dear Friends,

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.(a) 30. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'(b) 31. The second is this: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'(c) There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12: 29 -31).

The above was given in response to the question which was the most important of the commandments. Given Jesus' usual open responses to questions, this one is clear and concise.

It is all about relationship – a right relationship with God, with others and with ourselves.

Easy, right?

As we reflect on this passage let us also bring to mind the places, people and situations that need God's presence: the terrible flooding in Spain and its aftermath; the residents, carers and their families of Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage, and the lead up to the presidential election in the United States. And may we continue to strive to be good neighbours, to ourselves and others, and to have God at the centre of all we do and who we are.

Every blessing

Rev Karen