Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)

 Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time – 

September 01, 2024

Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-8; James 1:17-18,21-22,27; Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23

(image courtesy: Google)

Two monks, Brother Francis and an elder monk, are walking down a muddy road on a rainy day. They came upon a lovely young girl dressed in fine silks, who was afraid to cross because of all the mud and the flood. “Come on, girl,” said Brother Francis. And he picked her up in his strong arms, and carried her across. The two monks walked in silence till they reached the monastery. Then the elder monk couldn't bear it any longer. “Monks shouldn't go near young girls,” he said, “certainly not beautiful ones like that one! Why did you do it?” “Dear brother,” said Brother Francis, “I put the girl down by the river bank, but you have carried her right into the monastery.”

In these two monks we see the two often conflicting approaches to Christian spirituality, namely, avoidance and involvement. The spirituality of avoidance emphasizes the devout fulfilment of pious religious obligations and shuns away from those regarded as sinners for fear of being contaminated by them. It aims at keeping the believer unstained by the world, not at changing the world or making a difference. The spirituality of involvement, on the other hand, emphasizes active solidarity with sinners, who are often perceived as the untouchables of the world. It does not shun but extends a helping hand to them, believing that it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Balance in Christian spirituality consists in reconciling these two tendencies and bringing them into harmony.

In the Gospel, we see Jesus confronted by the Pharisees and scribes who criticize His disciples for eating with unwashed hands. Their concern is rooted in tradition—specifically, the ritual purity laws that governed Jewish life. These laws were not merely about hygiene; they were deeply intertwined with the identity and spirituality of the Jewish people. However, Jesus responds not by dismissing the importance of tradition but by redirecting the focus from external rituals to internal disposition.

He quotes the prophet Isaiah, saying, “This people honours me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” This statement is a profound reminder that God desires authenticity in our relationship with Him. It is not enough to go through the motions of faith; our hearts must be engaged. We can attend Mass, recite prayers, and participate in community activities, but if our hearts are not aligned with God’s will, we risk becoming like the Pharisees—more concerned with appearances than with true devotion.

Jesus further explains that it is not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of their heart. This teaching invites us to reflect on the nature of our thoughts, words, and actions. The list of evils that Jesus mentions—evil intentions, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, envy, slander, pride, and folly—serves as a mirror for us. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider what we allow to take root within us.

In our contemporary context, we can easily fall into the trap of prioritizing external appearances over genuine faith. We may find ourselves judging others based on their adherence to certain practices or traditions, while neglecting the call to love and compassion that lies at the heart of the Gospel. This is particularly relevant in a world that often values image over substance. Social media, for instance, can create a façade of perfection that masks the struggles and imperfections of real life. As followers of Christ, we are called to authenticity—both in our relationship with God and in our interactions with others.

The first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy (4:1-2, 6-8) reinforces this message by emphasizing the importance of adhering to God’s commandments. Moses reminds the Israelites that their observance of God’s laws is not merely for their own benefit but serves as a witness to the nations. Our faith is not just a private matter; it has communal implications. When we live authentically, allowing our hearts to be transformed by God’s love, we become a light to others, drawing them to the beauty of the Gospel.

As we celebrate this Sunday, let us heed the call of Jesus to look beyond the surface and to cultivate a heart that is truly devoted to God. May our worship be authentic, our actions be rooted in love, and our lives be a testament to the transformative power of Christ. Let us strive to honour God not just with our lips, but with our hearts, so that we may be true witnesses of His love in the world.

Happy Sunday