Daily Catholic Reflection: Sunday, September 1, 2024, Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Dt 4:1-2, 6-8

Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5

Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23                                 Full Readings      

Saint Giles

That Which Comes from Within Matters

Brethren, today we live a very cosmetic age where external beauty and appearance is overly admired and celebrated. We often worry excessively about how we are perceived by others, how we look, or what our reputation is in the eyes of the world. We put on nice clothes, drive good cars, speak nice words even to the extent of pleasing others, have rich friends, and do whatever externally pleases the people who are watching us. It's quite unfortunate that sometimes, these are done at the expense of our own happiness and inner wellbeing; they are done in pretense, to show a good picture outside, while inside it is conflict. How many times have we seen, beautiful people, rich people, beautifully dressed people and other celebrities committing suicide, failing in marriage, and even having no friends.  Jesus was aware of this, and in today's gospel he invites us to pay more attention to our hearts than the outer appearance for nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” Saint James too, in the second reading is aware that some of our Christians who think that true religion or Christianity is just showing off and performing external actions and rituals. True religion is not just external that but a true heart full of love which moves one to charity.

When the Scribes and the Pharisees saw Jesus' disciples eating with unclean hands (unwashed), they confront Jesus as to why his disciples are breaking the traditions and as well about what is holy and not, about what should be done and not. Jesus then, turns and implores the crowd gathered there to “hear and understand” his teaching. We might imagine some urgency in his manner, reflecting his heart’s desire that the crowd not be misled by their rulers. He was saying it's not what we eat, but how we speak and behave that has the power to either glorify the Father or defile us. May we take his words as seriously as his listeners and disciples did, and reflect and repent, if necessary, on any sins of the tongue or defiling behaviors. Today's invitation is to examine our conscience and inner self to see if it conforms with the will of God. Examining our inner self will enable us to establish good relationships with God and neighbors.

Brethren, purity before God does not consist of washing hands but in having a clean heart – a heart emptied of evil. Thus, we must pay greater attention to the state of our inner being. The list Jesus offers spanning from grave vices such as fornication, theft and murder to indecency, pride and folly not only provides a good tool for examination of conscience but reminds us that the seemingly small sins are capable of serious consequences when left unattended. Look within, take nothing for granted! Clearly, the point of the passage is not what should be eaten for dinner. Rather, it is about something much deeper and very precious to Jesus: the human heart. Jesus came to establish his kingdom, not with armies or castles, but through grace and conversion of the human heart. He sees these evils we sometimes do, and he passionately desires to enter and possess each person’s heart, so that he can transform it into a vessel of his love and light. It is also from the heart that comes true religion. True religion as St James tells us today is to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world. Nothing other than these acts of charity moved by a compassionate heart. this way we shall be doers of the Word not just hearers as he encourages.

The Jewish people had many rules about almost all aspects of life, including food. Certain foods were clean, others unclean. Foods also needed to be prepared and eaten in a certain way. Such an ordinary part of life was raised to the level of religious practice and became a matter of individual righteousness. Jesus wanted to restore the image of God’s goodness and providence. From the moment of creation, God gave us everything to enjoy as a gift and to care for as its stewards. Jesus wants us to enjoy all that God has provided for us, down to the food we eat, so that we can be nourished and not scrupulous. How easy it is to sometimes put certain things into categories of “good” or “bad” based on subjective opinions. This Gospel is an invitation to see all of creation with God’s eyes and to use his gifts wisely. What is the state of your inner being and how do you see God's creation. Pray today that your heart should move you to be the doer of the Word not just hearer.

Let us Pray:

Jesus, I want to sit at your feet and allow you to teach me today about what is most important to you. You are interested in entering my heart— purifying it and transforming it for your glory. Jesus, please enter my heart now. Show me what is really there and make it like yours in all things.  Amen

Be blessed.