The series of discussions between Jesus and the ‘’theologians’’ of Israel ends with the Pharisees asking which commandment in the law is the greatest. Jesus is not the bookish type who would research on the scriptures. He knows the heart of Scriptures and points out the commandment of love on which the whole of the Scriptures depend. The total love of God is not so much a verse of Scripture; rather, it belongs to the realm of spirit, conviction, worship and orientation which finds flowering in the love of neighbor. In fact, as a form of worshipping God, the love of neighbor is the most difficult and it is here that many, including the Pharisees and other religious leaders, fail. The radical love of God is expressed in the radical love of neighbor.

Handel, the renowned Austrian composer, finished his masterpiece, The Messiah, on September 14, 1741, after years of physical suffering. He made the final corrections in three weeks of intense labor, hardly eating or sleeping. The piece was played in Dublin with tremendous success. Though having financial difficulties himself, the composer decided to donate the proceeds to charity. The Dublin organizers then asked Handel if they could give the profit to a charitable institution. When Handel asked them the name of the institution, they answered, ‘’The Master,’’ referring to Handel who in their eyes needed financial support. Handel refused them with these words: ‘’I want nothing for this work. I will never take any money. I owe this work to God himself.’’ Handel’s The Messiah continues to inspire wonder and awe. Probably the reason is that this musical piece contains the congruence-the spirit of authentic worship of God which Handel lived and which we are called to live.