Put the word into practice
September 1, 2024 | 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
Deut. 4:1-2, 6-8; Psalm 15; James 1:17-18, 21-22,27. Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23.
On the twentieth Sunday, the book of Proverbs invited us to seek wisdom and understanding (Prov. 9:1-6). True wisdom consisted in following the paths of God and letting go of our foolish ways by leading a life worthy of the spirit of Christ (Eph. 5:15-20). Last Sunday (21st Sunday year B), was an invitation to make a choice between the true God and our false man-made gods. With the Apostle Peter we all have chosen to follow Jesus and leave aside our former ways of life.
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the word of eternal life” (John 6:68).
On this 22nd Sunday, wisdom is the practice of true religion, which consists in the imitation of Christ and following his way of life. It is purity of heart rather than external rituals.
Love is better than sacrifice (Hosea 6:6)
In the first century, the early Jewish Christians referred to themselves as “The Way”, which echoes the way of life enshrined in the Torah as well as the disciples belief that Jesus was “the way” to God the Father (John 14:6). Henceforth, Jesus in today’s Gospel (Mark 7:1-23), wants our Christian convictions based not on external rituals and traditions (the Sabbath observances, bathing, washing of hands and all kinds of ablutions for purifications and circumcision), but on the inner conversion. True religion will consist in honoring God by a good Christian lifestyle. To avoid sin, we should avoid the corruption of our hearts. No wonder Hosea says:
“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings…I want faithful love more than I want animal sacrifices. I want people to know me more than I want burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).
Keeping God’s Commandments as a way to life
In the first reading, (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8) Moses instructs Israel to strictly follow God’s laws to demonstrate wisdom and receive life and land. The power of commandments rests on their practice in our daily life.
David Josiah Brewer once said:
“The better life restless on the prohibitions of the ten commandments and more on the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Golden Rule”.
In other words, living righteously before the Lord, walking blamelessly and doing justice, thinking and speaking the truth in our heart and slandering not with our tongues, harming not our fellow human beings and practically honoring and revering the Lord in our daily life (Psalm 15). Putting the word into practice is the true religion.
Acting on the word
The Apostle James is straightforward to us:
Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” (James 1:25)
According to James:
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself
unstained by the world.” (James 1: 27).
Practicing the works of mercy is one of the great ways to put God’s word into practice.
Let us pray through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that the Lord may help us to obey his commandments and to act on God’s word, and keep our hearts pure. May the Holy Spirit guide us in showing our faith through our actions! Amen.
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC
Urgent note on upcoming election
1) Registration drive by CatholicVote
Just in recent weeks, some Catholic parishes in the diocese of Lansing have been asked by CatholicVote to host voter registration drives at the parish. Our Lawyer, Will Bloomfield has indicated that CatholicVote has a 501© (4) division that engages in some partisan activities and a 501(c) (3) division that is non-partisan, which can coordinate voter registration. Pastors may authorize such voter registration drives and encourage participation in such non-partisan initiatives. Such initiatives from CatholicVote are consistent with diocesan/Michigan Catholic Conference policies.
It is however important to note that CatholicVote does not have the Catholic Teaching Authority of the Church. The standard prohibition on election year materials made by the USCCB, remains in place, i.e., election year materials are prohibited unless published by the diocesan bishop, the Michigan Catholic Conference, or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
2) Vote pamphlets distribution
Our attention was drawn last week that vote pamphlets were distributed or placed in our parishioners’ vehicles last week in our parking lot. We are very sorry for the inconvenience. The Holy Redeemer Church declines all responsibilities concerning such action. As a Catholic Church, we reaffirm our neutrality and impartiality in all political matters including the presidential elections.
The Church calls us to form our conscience according to our faith and put it into practice in our decisions’ making. This formation of Conscience is made through: a) An assimilation of the Word of God as the light for our path; b) A constant search of God’s will through meditation and prayer; - c) A regular examination of our conscience before the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; d) By inviting the Holy Spirit to assist us in the process and, e) being guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church.
May God bless you!
Prayer: Lord God, as the election approaches, we pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC