22nd Sunday of the Year, B – August 29, 2021.
Readings: Deut. 4:1-2.6-8; Ps 15:2-3a.3bc-4ab.5(R.1a); James 1:17-18.21b-22.27 & Gospel – Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23.
Theme: The Demands of True Religion
Sunday Synopsis
The first reading reveals how God demanded the diligent attention of the sons and daughters of Israel. In the second reading, St. James makes the point that “as God’s first fruits” we are called to a wholehearted service. The Gospel text recalls the criticism Jesus received from some Pharisees and Scribes who came from Jerusalem. Jesus called them hypocrites accusing them of honouring him with lip service while their hearts were far from him. Our liturgy challenges us about the demands of unspoilt religion namely caring for those at the sidelines of society.
Introduction
Friends in Christ, our liturgy discloses the practical dimensions of our faith. The discussion between Jesus and some Pharisees and Scribes puts us in a position to distinguish between the essentials and non-essentials of our faith otherwise known as “Tradition” with capital “T” and tradition with small “t.” Our reflection titled “The Demands of True Religion” challenges us on the demands of practical witnessing.
Background & Summary of the Readings
The first reading (Deut. 4:1-2.6-8) reveals how God demanded the diligent attention of the sons and daughters of Israel to his word, statutes and judgments. It presents us with the instruction of Moses to the people about the need to follow the Laws and Customs given to them by God. He maintains that it was necessary to observe them so as to have life and enter the land God promised to their fathers.
Moses also cautions against adding or subtracting from the precepts. He further makes the point that keeping the Lord’s commands would show to others their wisdom and understanding as they say of them: “No other people is as wise and prudent as this great nation.” He surmises that the people would testify that their God is near to them and that he has given them laws to guide them.
In the second reading (James 1:17-18.21b-22.27), St. James makes the point that “as God’s first fruits” we are called to a wholehearted service. He challenges Christians to grow beyond mere listening of the word of God to putting it into practice. He insists that the faith that counts is one that is actually operative in one’s life by emphatically stating that “pure and undefiled religion is caring for orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself unstained from the world.” James invites the faithful to measure their faith based on personal relationship with others as well as what they say. He urges them to fulfill the divine purpose by becoming first fruits of God’s creatures through the primary expression of religion namely, reaching out to the poor and neglected.
The Gospel text (Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23) recalls the criticism Jesus received from some Pharisees and Scribes who came from Jerusalem because his disciples were eating with unclean hands. Jerusalem is mentioned here because it is the Eternal Capital of the Jews. Coming from there gave them the effrontery to challenge Jesus. Because they wanted full observance of the Law of the elders as observed in Jerusalem, Jesus called them hypocrites accusing them of honouring him with lip service while their hearts were far from him. He even called the worship they offer worthless and doctrines, mere human traditions.
Pastoral Lessons
1. Care for Orphans: Like Mother Teresa’s who is acclaimed as the Saint of the gutters because of her perpetual acts of charity which involved going all out to pick street children to cater for them, we are urged to assist orphans through provision of food, shelter, clothing and education.
2. Stand Up for the Poor: Saint Vincent the Paul other Pious Societies and Sodalities must be on top of their game by canvassing for valuable items for orphans and widows otherwise, it will be shameful for the Church of God to neglect the brothers and sisters of Christ while Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are showing them charity.
3.Resist Throw Away Culture: Pope Francis has consistently challenged Christians about the “throw away culture” which uses people and love things and throws away things that are of benefit to others.
4. Beware of God’s Anger: As a Church, we have a duty to remind cruel uncles who confiscate the wealth of their deceased brothers and send their widow and orphans to a life by of penury to change their ways or face God’s anger.
5. Reject Mundane Traditions: While the Sacred Traditions of the Church are sacrosanct, we must resist the temptation of following rituals while neglecting assisting the vulnerable.
Summary Lines
1. The first reading reveals how God demanded the diligent attention of the sons and daughters of Israel.
2. In the second reading, St. James makes the point that “as God’s first fruits” we are called to a wholehearted service.
3. He insists that the faith that counts is one that is actually operative in one’s life.
4. The Gospel text recalls the criticism Jesus received from some Pharisees and Scribes who came from Jerusalem.
5. Jesus called them hypocrites accusing them of honouring him with lip service while their hearts were far from him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the scripture warns us: “Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan” (Exodus 22:22). As such, we are challenged to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are shown the love of Christ. We have a responsibility to ensure a blend of observing the Living Traditions of the Church with the practical dimensions of the faith. May God help us to be bring joy to others. Only then can we be said to practice unspoilt religion and keep ourselves unstained by the world. Have a terrific week!
