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Reflection for Sunday 09/03/06

READINGS
First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8
Second Reading: James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27
Gospel: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

REFLECTION:
Jesus seemed to have no patience with Pharisees. They knew all the rules of the Jewish tradition and held everyone else accountable for observing them to the smallest detail. But Jesus recognized that the Pharisees were so obsessed with the rituals that they lost sight of God’s commandments which spoke of our relationship with God and each other. Jesus called the Pharisees “hypocrites” because they judged others harshly while not admitting their own failures. Jesus spoke emphatically to his followers, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come from within are what defile.” Jesus was relieving his followers of the scrupulosity of the Pharisees, but charging them with accepting responsibility for their moral choices. It is not enough to assume the appearance of following God’s law. It is essential to hold God’s truth close in our heart and our will so that we act always in keeping with God’s will. To open our hearts to God’s way and to allow his truth to become part of our innermost being is the lifelong challenge of following Jesus.

1. Which words of Jesus provide the most inspiration for the Christian work that you do?
2. How do you welcome the words of Jesus into your heart?

PRAYER:
Fill my heart, Dear Jesus, with your truth and love. Shape my will, Lord, so that I choose always to do what is good and holy. Amen.

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