Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

“Be careful what you allow to dwell in your hearts,” Archbishop Edward Gilbert  of the Trinidad and Tobago archdiocese once preached during an ordination. This thought clearly flows from the words of Jesus today. The criticism of the scribes  and Pharisees about his disciples not washing must have sparked something in  Jesus because he lands a verbal body-blow on them, calling them hypocrites and  then quoting Isaiah against them for saying one thing with their lips but keeping  their hearts distant from God. 

All the readings come together harmoniously today. Moses calls the people  to keep God’s law, to observe all the commandments carefully, not only for their  own sakes but so the people might draw others to God. James calls his listeners  to welcome God’s word that has been planted in their hearts, and to act on it by  taking care of those most vulnerable in society: the widows and orphans. 

My brother’s pastor weaves his Sunday preaching into themes that run several  weeks. Last Lent he began a series he called “Christian Atheism,” asking whether  those who come to church on Sunday act is if they didn’t believe the rest of the  week. Sometime we get used to living with two creeds competing for our attention: what we say we believe, even want to believe, and what we act out daily.  Jesus reminds us that our actions spring from within. So be careful what you allow  to dwell in your hearts. From the heart comes forth good or evil. 

Consider/Discuss

  • What are the commandments that really govern your behavior? Are  they God’s or merely commands of human tradition? 
  • Can you think of any time “human tradition” has assumed greater  importance than God’s commands? 

Responding to the Word

God of truth, we pray for the courage to take inventory of what we truly treasure. Help us to recognize the values that are more reflective of our culture than  of your Son. Give us the strength to pursue what you would have us do, and thus  honor you as the Father of lights.

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