What’s growing in the spiritual garden of our hearts? The Letter of James urges us to welcome the Word of God that was planted in us and become doers, not just hearers.
The Gospel parable of the three servants who have been given different amounts of “talents” (money) serves as a sobering reminder for us: how we use the gift of our lives here on earth has supernatural consequences in Heaven.
Building on the Gospel reading from yesterday we see how crucial it is for us to be prepared as we follow Jesus Christ through this life. It begs a question: what preparations do we need to make today?
The Psalm response today expresses the truth that we are known by God. This knowledge, rather than keeping us away because of our weaknesses and failures, invites us to return to the One who loves us…even when we sin.
Myself with an archived photo of Fr. Patrick McConnell and Fr. David Neuschwander.
The Psalm response on the Feast of St. Bartholomew invites us to make known God’s kingdom. May words and actions point others to Jesus Christ with our eyes fixed on Heaven.
The first reading offers a beautiful reflection on Paul’s gratitude for the people in the Church of the Thessalonians. It’s a good reminder for us as we thank the Lord for the relationships in our lives.
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.
Three Great Things 