By Tuong Nguyen
In the passage from the Gospel of Mark 12:28-34, Jesus outlines the essence of living a life that is pleasing to God: a life of love, directed both towards God and our neighbours. It's a calling to embody love in its purest form, a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.
This selfless, sacrificial and unconditional love is not limited only to humans. This is not the story of Felix [Rector Fr Cameron Forbes’ dog], but the story of Kabang, a dog from the Philippines who became popular worldwide as the "hero dog" and is a powerful testament to the instinct to protect and love without reservation and without condition. According to the story, Kabang was walking with her companions in Zamboanga City, Philippines, when she saw her two young girls in danger of being hit by a motorcycle. Kabang did not hesitate. She jumped in front of the motorcycle selflessly, to prevent it from hitting her owner's daughter and niece. Although the girls were saved, Kabang sustained severe injuries to her face, losing her upper snout and jaw. Fortunately, despite the accident, Kabang survived. Her heroism went so viral worldwide that the netizens funded her reconstructive surgery for a prosthetic snout so that she could eat properly.
Kabang's actions remind us of the sacrificial love that Jesus speaks about - a love that puts the well-being of others before one's own safety and comfort. Kabang's story is not just about the bond between humans and animals; it is a reflection of the kind of love that Jesus calls us to live out. This love is not passive or self-serving; it is active, courageous, and self-sacrificial. It's a love that sees the need and responds, a love that does not count the cost.
As we meditate on the words of Jesus in Mark 12:28-34, let us ask ourselves: How are we embodying this commandment in our lives? Are we willing to love as Kabang did, to step forward in moments of need, even if it means sacrificing our comfort or security (or even risking our lives as Kabang did)?
"You are not far from the kingdom of God," Jesus tells the scribe who understood the importance of loving God and neighbor more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. This statement is a powerful reminder that the kingdom of God is near to those who live out the commandment of love in their daily lives. The kingdom of God is made manifest in acts of kindness, bravery, and unconditional love - moments where we see beyond our needs to the needs of others, where we embody God's love in the world.
So, my dear friends, let us be inspired by the story of Kabang, and let us strive to live according to the greatest commandments. May we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. In doing so, we draw nearer to the kingdom of God, a kingdom where love reigns supreme. Amen.