Jacob Perikala csc –
Readings: Deu 4: 1-2, 6-8; Jam 1: 17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mk 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Today, we celebrate the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. In the first reading, Moses emphasizes the importance of following God’s teachings and commandments. He urges the Israelites to learn from their past mistakes and remain faithful to the God of Israel, unlike their ancestors who turned away from Him. This call to fidelity remains relevant for us today, reminding us to stay committed to God’s will.
In the second reading, we are reminded that every good gift comes from God, who is unchanging and perfect. We are invited to reflect this divine goodness in our own lives by acting with integrity and kindness, especially toward those in need. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to look beyond mere external observances of tradition. While He respects the teachings of the elders, He urges us to understand that true defilement comes not from external things but from within our hearts.
Evil arises from our thoughts and actions, not from God’s creation, which is inherently good. Jesus teaches that we are all children of God, and rather than judging or condemning others, we should strive to be more compassionate and understanding, aligning with the message from the second reading.
In our modern world, it is easy to criticize and find fault in others, yet we often fail to offer support and compassion to those in need. Let us, therefore, focus on being more loving and compassionate, as Jesus calls us to be, rather than being indifferent to the struggles of our brothers and sisters.