The Schema
Does it look like a misspelling? It is not. The word schema is the prayer that Jewish people recite several times a day. The prayer is:
“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone!
Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.”
They put this prayer on the door jam so whenever they enter or leave their home, they quietly recite this prayer. It is a great reminder to always put God first.
This prayer means a lot to me as well. At the end of your term in the seminary, just two days before you leave, there is a rite called The Sending. Each seminarian, in a few words, is to express what their experience has been at the seminary and share the continuing of their discernment with other seminarians, faculty, and staff. It is traditional to choose a Bible verse to share your thoughts currently. I chose this verse. I strive to live by it. God is always first. Everything I have or am belongs to God. My heart, my love, what I think or do belongs to God. My soul, created by God, I offer to Him with every act of word and deed. I do this with all my strength, with everything I have.
Still, with all said, the gospel issues a strong challenge. Do I have faith the size of a mustard seed? I have not moved any mountains. I resolve to continue trying with God’s grace.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen