TWENTY SECOND ORDINAYSUNDAY OF THE YEAR B!
It is said, "Actions speak louder than the words." Let us move Christ from our lips to our hearts. Today’s readings explain that true religion is not simply a scrupulous, external observance of rules, laws, traditions and rituals. It is, instead, a loving, obedient relationship with God expressed in obeying His Commandments, worshipping Him, recognizing His presence in other human beings and rendering them loving and humble service. Prayers, rituals, Sacraments, and religious practices are our God-given helps to practice this true religion in our daily lives.
Living a Christian life is what is expected of us because we have been saved through Christ Jesus. It is our response to His love for us. As we daily make choices and decisions, we need to be thinking, “I am a Christian. It is what I do”. It’s who I am in Christ Jesus. It’s how I live my life.
So, how do we unravel all of Jesus’ teaching this morning? I would like to start today’s reflection by sharing a poem written by Edgar A. Guest, an American poet and I invite you to keep these words in mind during the rest of the reflection for the better understanding of today's Gospel message.
Poem Title: “I would rather see a sermon than to hear one any day”
I would rather see a sermon
than to hear one any day.
I’d rather one should walk with me
than merely tell the way.
The best of all the preachers
are the ones who live their creed.
For to see good put to action,
is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it,
if you’ll let me see it done.
I can watch your hands in action,
but your tongue, too fast, may run.
And the lecture you deliver
may be very wise and true.
But I’d rather get my lessons
by observing what you do.
For I might misunderstand you,
and the high advice you give.
But there’s no misunderstanding
how you act, and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness,
I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles
and a strong man stays behind.
And all travelers can witness,
that the best of guides today.
Is not the one who tells them,
but the one who shows the way.
Who stands with men of honor,
learns to hold his honor, dear.
For right living speaks a language,
which to everyone is clear.
Though an able speaker charm
with his eloquence.
I say I would rather see a sermon
than to hear one, any day.
I took the time to share this poem with you today because it spoke to me, and I believe it will speak clearly to you as well about today’s gospel . The followers of Christ must not only talk the talk, but they must walk the walk. That is what Jesus is saying when he speaks about following the genuine laws and duties. The true law is the law of love, which requires no law at all for a pure heart. It is said; "When a man is pure law is useless, when a man is corrupt, law is broken."
We have a duty to be faithful to Jesus in our daily life, not just speak about Christ, but actually live in Christ. Are you living in Christ today? Are you producing the fruit of the Spirit? Are you overflowing with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?
Remember, religion is a matter of the heart, and heart is the seat of love, and it is love that unites human hearts. Without love, rules and regulations, rituals and customs, traditions, and practices become meaningless. Moreover, they can also become deadly weapons in the hands of unloving people, to exploit, to kill, and to destroy.
My dear People, Jesus condemns a religion of outward appearances. He rejects pious display. The word hypocrites Jesus uses to describe those who lack resemblance in what they say and do. A hypocrite is a fraud, an impostor, a pretender. He says one thing and does another. He wears two faces. A hypocrite is a liar. Jesus had no kind words for hypocrites. Certainly, Jesus does not want us to be counted among them. Rather, He wants us to act from a heart animated with faith and love and to serve Him and His people in all sincerity and truth. He wants us to be a sample and not a sermon. He wants us to follow the commandment of God and not the human tradition.
A mother brought his son to Mahatma Gandhi to advise him not to eat too much sweet as he was addicted to eating too much sweet . Gandhi told them to come back a few months later. He was trying to overcome an unhealthy desire for sweets. He could only correct the child after correcting his own weakness. This is called practice what you advise or preach. This called a real sample of real action.
All three readings of today show the need for unity between our knowledge of God’s laws and our observance of them. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds his hearers about the meaning of true observance of the law. It is observing not just the letter but the true intent of God’s law. And He quotes from the prophet Isaiah, “This people honour me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.”
Our traditions can show our love of God and our service to God, but God does not love us because of our traditions. Who we are is what is inside of us, and God hopes that what is inside of us is love. Love for ourselves, love for God, love for one another, without condition. Let us live as God’s precious children, a life of love within and without. Amen
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