 Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Nothing that enters a person from outside can defile that person; the things that come out from within are what defile.” From ‘A’ commercial, you may think ‘A’ company is…your best friend. They understand your problem, they know the struggles you are dealing with. They have been there, too,… AND…they want to help. They have this product or service that… will make your life so much better, because THEY care about you — YES, you! BUT…once you swipe your credit card, the relationship is pretty much over — save for the warranty printed out in four-point type. You may have been…to one of those dinners. The president and alumni staff of your alma mater come to town. You go mainly to see your…old college buddies. While you catch up, the college staff is setting up “the presentation.” THEN… the president speaks. He or she extends greetings from everyone on campus and expresses their continued pride in their many successful graduates (including, you —yes, you!). And the “presentation” is underway: This is the future…we see for our college — our college. We want you to continue to be a part of the future of your alma mater. The evening is no longer about catching up with old pals or free drinks, but an appeal for YOUR — yes, your — support. (pause) We owe it…to one another as responsible citizens to…meet the candidates. Many of ‘US’ voters…make it a point to spend time listening to those seeking elected office. We’re impressed with the candidates’ ideas, dedication and earnestness. They project… empathy and understanding; they identify with us and our dreams and wants…for our families. BUT…the cynical and jaded side of our brain remains aware that… what comes out of many politicians’ mouths are determined by – what tests well – with focus groups and…-what plays best – in polls. In the end,…it’s NOT really about…’US’. Too often ‘OUR’ words express concern and compassion for others — BUT…it becomes clear that the words are prompted by another agenda. Compassion and mercy, empathy and generosity begin in our hearts,…in the place where God dwells; conversely,…extreme greed, bigotry and pride come from ‘A’ heart in which…. self-centeredness… has replaced…the holy. As Jesus makes clear in today’s Gospel, the kind of human being…’WE ARE’ begins… in the values of the heart,… the place where God dwells with us — BUT the evil we are capable of,… the hurt…we are able to inflict on others,… the degrading of the world that God created begins “within,”…as well. May God…open our spirits and consciences to listen to the voice of God speaking in that sacred space within every heart, calling us to ‘understanding’…instead of judgment, forgiveness… instead of vengeance, respect… instead of ridicule, reconciliation… instead of division. |
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Our first reading from Deuteronomy,
we find that the people of Israel
are given by God the “statutes and decrees”
which,…if observed…carefully,
will give the Israelites prosperity, “wisdom and intelligence.”
When God became Man and dwelt among us,
He made Himself…subject to His own decrees.
But in doing so…He brought the law to fulfillment;
AND…the Promised Land…flowing with milk and honey
became the Promised Land…filled with eternal joy and peace.
God freely…gives.
The people of Israel were able to go to the Promised Land
because God gave it to them.
‘WE’…have received the gift of eternal life
because Jesus had freely given His life.
And As…disciples of Jesus,
‘WE’…are called to freely give of ourselves
by loving and serving God and each other.
In the Gospel story of Mary and Martha
is an example…of how we must listen to Jesus speak to us.
Those two women sum up the message of today’s Second Reading.
When Jesus speaks to us,…’WE’, like Mary,
“humbly welcome the Word”
Who is…“able to save” our “souls”.
Once…we have heard Our Lord speak,
then we would be wise to listen
to the advice offered by our Blessed Mother:
“Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5).
In this Reading, Saint James seconds that advice
when he says, “Be doers of the word and…not hearers only.”
Martha is that example of…a doer.
There is a Mary and Martha within each of us.
Mary spends time at the Feet of Jesus listening to Him speak;
but Our Lord’s words should lead us into action
much like Martha who can be compared to someone
like Saint Teresa of Calcutta, for example,
who devoted her life…to serving God’s people in the poorest of the poor.
But Mother Teresa knew that she could do nothing…if
it weren’t for the strength and encouragement
she received from Our Lord
through prayer and the Eucharist.
God…has a message for all of us;
‘AND’…He also has a plan of action…for us to fulfill;
and both the message and plan of action
will be different for each of us
as our individual callings are in accordance with the gifts He has given us.
God’s plan for us as individuals
is discernible… ‘IF’ we open our hearts and minds
to hear His Voice and…continue to devote ourselves to Him
while making every effort to remain “unstained by the world.”
We know ‘NOT’ where God is leading us
in the future of this life,
thus it is necessary to continue to sit at the Feet of Jesus
as often as possible…to receive…from Him
strength, motivation and encouragement.
May God’s wisdom…illuminate our hearts
with the light…of ‘HIS’compassion
and Peace to transform our world,
despite its brokenness,
into a fitting dwelling place for God.
