On 25th June 2009, the music world suffered a catastrophic blow. That was the day Michael Jackson died. I still remember it vividly. Television and radio stations were flooded with his songs and concerts. All over the world, tributes poured in – even from countries he had never visited. At his concerts, fans would cry, faint, or travel great distances just to see his smile or hear his voice. Even today, his music still “moves mountains” and is played across the globe. He was called the King of Pop, and to this day, no one has truly claimed that title.
The kind of love and remembrance Michael Jackson received is a faint image of the kind of love Moses urged the Israelites to have for God -only greater, infinitely greater. Moses said:
“Listen, Israel: the Lord our God is the one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Let these words I urge on you today be written on your heart. Repeat them to your children… whether at rest in your house or walking abroad, at your lying down or at your rising… Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut. 6:4-9).
God’s love deserves more devotion than any human figure could ever receive -for he has done far more for us, and unlike any human, he is perfect and without flaw.
So, I ask myself: Do I love God as Moses advised? How often do I “play his songs” -that is, meditate on his word? Do I keep his commandments? Do I talk about him to my family and friends? Do I spend time with him in the Blessed Sacrament? Or do I allow other loves to take first place in my heart?
May the Holy Spirit enlarge our hearts to make more room for God – the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Amen.
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