In line at the grocery store, a very animated fouryear-old asked her mother how much she loved her. The mother spread her arms wide and said, “This much!” The youngster contemplated this for a moment and then replied, “That’s all I get?” Everyone cracked up. Certainly that story was told more than a few times that evening. But it does raise an interesting question: how do we measure love?

When the Pharisees question Jesus, they hope to trick Him into an endless debate about which commandment is most important. But the answer Jesus gives focuses on the reasons behind them: it is love of God and love of neighbor. To love God means that we give ourselves completely to God and His way. To love our neighbor means that we recognize in everyone the stamp of Divine approval, and the imprint of God’s love.

How much love do we have for God and for others? We measure it in actions. Caring for others, living the Beatitudes, practicing the Works of Mercy and offering our prayers and sacraments express what we believe and help us strengthen our commitment to practice what we preach. God has already showed how much He loves us. It’s our turn to show Him.