The First is the Greatest

[VeryTas]

Both paragraph 24 in Leo's Exhortation and #2055 in the Catechism speak of the two greatest commandments as constituting a single commandment, as if Jesus joined together what the Old Testament had held apart. It is good that he did lay them next to each other, but I think he purposely distinguished the first (Love God) from the second (Love neighbor) by calling the first the "greatest", and the second as "like it" (Mt 22:36-40).
After all, love of neighbor is not to be done "with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" but rather "as yourself". We are to love the neighbor as made in God's image, as we are. But the God whose image we both bear is to be loved in himself, like we love a person more than a cherished image of the person.
(FYI, I took exception to the current understanding of the judgment of the sheep and goats on 3/22/24 in the Lyceum.)

[Highlander]

Interesting. Makes sense. Perhaps someone more versed that I can comment.

This is why theology is beyond me.