Matthew 22:34–40

From measureless shamelessness the Pharisees, envious because he was being praised by the crowds after the Sadducees were put to shame, ask again with hypocrisy, testing him — whether he will also add again to the first command as if correcting the law — so that they may find a handle against him. Matthew and Luke said the one who asked was a “lawyer,” Mark a “scribe.” That is no disagreement: some show him learned in the law, others a leading scribe, that is, an interpreter of the law to the people.

The Lord exposes their wickedness: they did not come to ask so as to be helped, but from having nothing and being held by envy. He also teaches that one must not love God in part and cling to earthly things in part. Because the Lord said this command is more summary than all, the lawyer seemed to be thrusting him into danger as making himself God. Hence, though he had not said that, the lawyer praised him, as Mark says. The first command teaches every form of piety; for loving God from the whole heart is the cause of every good. The second contains what is just toward humans. The first opens the way for the second, and the second is held together from it; for the one who has accomplished love toward God clearly also loves the neighbor in all things as himself. Such a person happens to be the fulfiller of all the commands.