Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8 James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Fasten your seatbelts, folks. Our readings this weekend take us on a challenging ride!
The First Reading, from The Book of Deuteronomy, features Moses, talking to the Israelites about how to be faithful followers of God. This is the beginning of his discourse that goes into great detail concerning how to keep the 10 Commandments - the laws God gave to him on Mount Sinai. It is many years since he received those commandments, and this is his final opportunity to instruct the people before they enter The Promised Land! In this reading, Moses points out that God’s laws are full of wisdom and intelligence - and that by keeping these laws, the Israelites will be highly respected by other nations. But, even more important is the realization that no other nation has, or will have, a relationship with their gods like the Israelites have with the one true God, who is close to them and always available.
Our Responsorial Psalm response highlights the importance of doing what is right and just as a way to grow ever closer to God. Of course, we have important aspects of doing what is right contained in the 10 Commandments. And our New Testament Readings today from the Letter of St. James and the Gospel of Mark bring us a additional perspective on goodness and rightness that is taken directly from the teachings of Jesus.
James reminds us that all good gifts are from our God (Think of lyrics from Godspell here!). This reminder implores us to be humble and grateful, welcoming the Word of God that has been planted within our hearts. James goes on to proclaim that religion which is “pure and undefiled” is religion that cares for the widows and the orphans. This is a scriptural “code” that means, taking care of the marginalized - those who are often forgotten by society and left to languish.
Today’s Gospel is a fitting conclusion to the evolution of God’s law, as given to us by Jesus himself. He reminds the Pharisees and scribes that there are many Israelites of his day who are like their ancestors from the time of Isaiah, hundreds of years before. These are the people of whom Jesus says: “This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me….”
What is a person asked to ponder in all of these teachings about God’s laws and human laws, sincerity and hypocrisy, saying the right thing but not doing the right thing? It gives me pause, it begs me to pause - to ponder, take stock of myself - to ask how I can do better, and be better. My seat belt is fastened, now I venture into what promises to be a challenging period of prayer this week.
by: Bill Miller
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