Reflection for 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 29, 2021
(Deut 4:1-2,6-8): In this passage, Moses cautions the people to listen to the Commandments (statutes and decrees) he was teaching them. Moses projects that obedience is the choice that leads to life, safety and happiness in their new homeland. He further defines this call to obedience by cautioning the people to follow the statutes and decrees, as is; without trying to add to them, or to subtract from them. This reflects Moses’ great insight into human nature. When we have rules or boundaries set for us; immediately, we want to stretch them or bend them to give us more “freedom” or “options.” However, in this passage, no exceptions or options are what’s important. Clearly, what’s important is that we need to obey the Law, fully and completely, as an act of faith and trust in the Lord, and showing respect for God’s authority over us.
(Psalm 15: “The one who does justice will live in the Presence of the Lord.”): Today’s psalm is a song of hopeful encouragement to those who live, “justly.” “Living justly” is defined as being innocent, contemplating on the truth and being honest. Living justly is portrayed as being kind to others, living peacefully with neighbors; (i.e. promoting the common good of all). The just person is known by the company she/he keeps. The just person is disliked by corrupt people, but honors and is close to people who “fear the Lord,” or live, uprightly. The last stanza tells that the just person is honest and fair in financial dealings; lending money at a fair rate and refusing attempts to bribe him/her. The just person is promised a peaceful life wherein she/he “shall never be disturbed.” It’s perhaps not a surprise that living justly brings serenity and peace and calmness in life.
(James 1:17-18, 21b-22,27): In this passage, James reinforces for us that “all good giving and every perfect gift is from God;” suggesting that even the good works that we do are inspired by God and therefore, originate with Him, and not from ourselves. When James mentions that God wills for us to be “a kind of firstfruits of His creatures,” he suggests that God wants us to share the gifts we’ve received from God and thereby multiply them, or “spread the blessings.” When we are told to “humbly welcome the Word,” we’re being told again, to listen to or ponder the Word, and to let it inspire us to “live out the Word” by doing good deeds for others; such as caring for widows and orphans and the poor and by avoiding sin and the temptations of the world.
(Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23): In today’s Gospel, we are shown a stark contrast between kinds and levels of obedience to God’s law. The “shallow” or “insincere” and “hypocritical” obedience of the Pharisees and scribes is compared to the simple and “honest” practice of “sincere obedience, with compassion for others,” that Jesus practiced, Himself, and requested of others.
Jesus insightfully condemns the way the scribes and Pharisees have “added to” or “subtracted from” the Law, as forbidden by Moses. Jesus clearly scolds them for their disregard for the “true spirit” of the Law, which was meant to help us to love, serve and have compassion for others, rather than using the Law to judge others and to bolster one’s own arrogant ego.
Pondering these readings, we might ask ourselves: “How am I doing with obeying the Law, (the 10 Commandments)? Do I obey with honesty, simplicity and sincerity? Am I loving and fair with others?