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.”

Mass Readings – 22nd Sunday of the Year

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