We rejoice as our faith grows in Jesus Christ. The more we grow the more we are opened to hear and actively answer the call to pursue truth. Such truth pours forth from the Sunday Mass readings during the 22nd and 23rd Sundays. Meditating upon these readings one’s heart turns to the truth of God’s commands, in the word of God and around the healing ministry of Jesus.
Grateful observance of God’s commands (Dt 4:1-2, 6-8)
The Book of Deuteronomy is comprised of speeches given by Moses to the Israelites ready to enter the Promised Land. He stresses the importance of their observance of the Ten Commandments, given by God. These are to be faithfully followed with gratitude as they settle in the land that God has provided for them. With such wisdom and thought other nations will see “how wise and discerning are these people,” and impressive how close God is to them to give such guidance. Am I a grateful follower of the commandments? Do I follow them because I love the Lord, or because of another reason? How is my life a testimony to the commandments?
Doers of the word (Jas 1:1-27)
During the next four Sundays we will hear passages from The Letter of St. James as he offers practical wisdom for those called to discipleship. Chapter 1 reminds us of our gratitude to God for the gifts he pours out, namely the Word of Truth, since the word “planted” within each person is transformed. This transformation of heart leads us to naturally act upon the truth that comes forth from the word, mainly in our ministry to care for those most vulnerable and to stay close to the purity of God’s word. Hence, we attest, “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.” When I hear God’s truth in the word do I take it to heart and become a doer of truth?
Tradition from the heart (Mt 7:1-23)
This telling passage from Chapter 7 of St. Matthew’s Gospel depicts Jesus’ dialogue with the Pharisees (scrupulous observers of the law) and scribes (interpreters of the law). Gathered, they noticed the behavior of Jesus’ disciples and questioned Jesus as to why they were not following Jewish ritual washing, in this case coming from the market and handwashing before eating. This was not a simple, “Wash you hands before you eat.” This was a traditional ceremonial “scrubbing” to signify exterior cleanliness for interior purity.
Jesus indicated to the Pharisees and the scribes that they ignored God’s commandment by emphasizing human tradition. He taught that the only thing that defiles a person is what originates in their heart and comes from their mouth or from their actions. In other words, the “dirt” on our heart causes our actions to be less what God commanded, mainly to love the Lord and others. To have a pure heart, we are to have a clean heart rooted in God’s word resulting in action. Doers of the Word. We can wash the exterior all we want, but it is what is on the inside motivates mind, heart and action. Remember for us, too, our greatest interior cleansing is in the sacrament of reconciliation.
“We rejoice as our faith grows in Jesus Christ. The more we grow the more we are opened to hear and actively answer the call to pursue truth.”
Be strong (Is 35:4-7)
Moving to the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time the Sunday Mass readings reflect Jesus’ healing ministry, beginning with the prophecy of Isaiah. Isaiah assures the Israelites to “be strong and fear not” for God comes to save. By his power miraculous healings will take place as the promise of salvation opens the passage of faith. Psalm 146 reiterates God’s assurance as we praise the Lord from the soul with gratitude for the abundance of life in the Lord: our protector, our healer, our freedom, our strength. Does my soul praise the Lord for all he has provided and will continue to provide?
Impartial love (Jas 2:1-5)
St. James words of wisdom shine on the notion of partiality versus impartiality. When one judges another based on something other than faith, then evil enters the heart. To distinguish one person and ignore another is an absence of fidelity to uphold the dignity of the person. St. James reminds the faithful that God chose the poor to be rich in faith. Let us become poor to that which binds us to sin so that we may become rich in love of Christ.
Be opened! (Mk 7:31-37)
The compassion and mercy of Jesus resounds as we read the account of the healing of
a deaf man. Brought by his friends, this man is placed before Jesus. The friends beg Jesus to lay his hand on the deaf man. Our Lord takes the man aside and privately heals him with touch, spit and the word, “Ephphatha!” meaning “Be opened!” The man was healed. Scripture says, “They were astonished beyond measure, and they said, ‘He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and (the) mute speak’ ” (Jas 7: 37).
St. John Paul II comments on this passage, stating in a homily, “Does not the deaf mute mentioned in the Gospel bring to mind the situation of those who are unable to establish a communication which gives true meaning to life? In a certain way, he reminds us of those who shut themselves up in a presumed autonomy, which leaves them isolated from God and often from their neighbor as well. Jesus turns to this man to restore to him the capacity to open himself to the one who is other and to others, in an attitude of trust and freely-given love. He offers him the extraordinary opportunity to meet God who is love and who allows himself to be known by those who love. He offers him salvation. Yes, Christ opens man to a knowledge of both God and himself. He who is truth opens man to the truth, touching him from within and thus healing “from within” every human faculty.” (Sept. 10, 2000)
Year of St. Joseph.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, may we be opened to the truth in Jesus Christ. Amen!
Dow is the director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge.