Here are some of the key themes in the readings for the 22nd Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-8
The Commandments of the Lord are sacred; take care not to add or subtract from them.
These commandments are to be carefully observed.
Psalm – 15:2-5
“The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.”
These stanzas exhort the people to live in a virtuous and upright manner.
2nd Reading – James 1:17-18,21b-22,27
God’s “word of truth” is planted in our hearts and must be welcomed and strengthened.
We are reminded to “be doers of the word and not hearers only” as we care for those less fortunate.
Gospel – Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23
Jesus responds to comments from the Pharisees and scribes about specific traditions.
The Lord offers a practical insight about what makes us unclean: “Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”
The people in the first reading and the Gospel make choices in light of what they have heard and seen. Choices are an essential part of our lives and through the decisions we make we are either drawing closer to Christ or moving farther away.
As Jesus sums up his teaching, he reminds the disciples that greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is measured by the depth and application of our love. May we joyfully serve one another today!
Even with only an hour left in the day, the master of the vineyard gave a chance to workers in need. God gives us the same opportunity to seek mercy. It’s not too late! Today is a new beginning to turn to Jesus Christ.
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When confronted by the obstacles and distractions before us, we might be tempted to give up hope. Yet the Lord reminds us today that with God all things are possible, and may this teaching be our strength!
The Book of Judges recounts a pattern as the people follow the Lord, stray, and then return to the Lord through God’s intercession. Throughout this human weakness to sin, God remains faithful…always seeking to bring us back.
Three Great Things 