Many of us are familiar with Jesus' response to the question, "Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" His answer was: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Mt.22: 37). He also added, "And a second is like to it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself" (Mat. 22: 39).

The first reading from the Book of Leviticus highlights these two basic rules of the relationship between God and humanity - love of God and love of neighbour. And what binds these commands is obedience. It is only by obeying the laws of God that one demonstrates his or her love for God and neighbour.

When Jesus combines the two commands into one, Jesus also gives a new meaning to the greatest commandment. To Jesus, what binds the two rules is not only obedience, but love. When one lives a life of love for God and neighbour, one lives a life of obedience to God, and vice versa.

In his discourse, as found in the Gospel passage, Jesus links the greatest commandment to the final judgement. We will be judged not only for performing some good deeds for our neighbour who is less fortunate than us. Rather, we will be judged on whether we recognise the Son of Man in those who are in need, especially the poor, marginalised and suffering, and on whether our response to help them is motivated by our love for the Son of Man in others.