This Week's Readings Reflections

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Deut 4:1-2, 6-8: This passage serves to remind us that the legitimate purpose of religious and governmental laws is to protect and nurture human lives. Moses warns the people that they must not “water down” or embellish the Commandments of God. God’s Commandments reflect God’s holy wisdom; thus, they promote a society of unparalleled peace and justice.
Let’s reflect on the fact, that after thousands of years, Moses’ words still ring true, today.

“Observing God’s laws, carefully” still “gives evidence of one’s intelligence, wisdom (and integrity) to the nations! It’s certainly true that adhering to and obeying God’s Law brings wisdom to the person striving to obey. Those who live the Law are at peace with and in harmony with God and, therefore get to know God more intimately and insightfully. Great wisdom results when one knows God more intimately! 

Psalm 15: “The one who does justice will live in the Presence of the Lord.” Let’s join the psalmist in reflecting on the serene peace enjoyed by people who are innocent, honest and just. They won’t be haunted by regret and they will avoid many conflicts with others, as they’ll enjoy a reputation for treating others, fairly. While the author observes that such honest and upstanding people will “despise the reprobate,” it makes sense that such honest individuals would have the sense to keep far from others who are dishonest or evil. 

In the final verse, the psalmist again observes how honest living brings a measure of peace and serenity to a person’s life. Reflect that others might still upset them, but their relationships will, likely be peaceful and trusting. 

James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27: Now, as we contemplate this passage from James, let’s ponder and thank God for the fact that every blessing we enjoy comes from God.  Let’s be humble and remember that every virtue and talent we possess comes from God. We didn’t get any positive virtues or accomplishments on our own. God is the author, provider and Source of all that we have or are. 

The author exhorts us to welcome the Word of God. We’re cautioned not to just read the Word, but to live out the Commands of the Word in our lives and relationships. We’re told to be “doers of the Word,” and this is explained to mean, “caring for widows and orphans;” or, in other words, ministering to the vulnerable among us. It comes down to loving God with our whole heart and loving our neighbor, as we desire to be loved. The message is very consistent!

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23:  This passage extends our theme about living the Law of God, honestly and consistently. The scribes and Pharisees weren’t doing that. They were obsessed with living the Law, but they were “giving themselves breaks,” or excuses for not following the Law, while being excessively accusing and judgmental of others. We see this in the way they treated Jesus and His followers, as well as the poor among them. Because of their pride and condemnation of others, they lost all compassion and empathy for others.

Reflect this week that it’s a good practice to pray for humble awareness of our own faults and weaknesses. We mustn’t cultivate a belief or attitude within ourselves that we’re better than others, or better than we are.                           

Prayerfully, 
Deacon Matt