22nd Sunday in Ordinary time, Year B, 2024
Reflection by Fr Collins Akhigbe, OP
Scriptural passages
1st reading. Deut 4:1-2,6-8. Psalm 15. 2nd reading. James 1:17-18,21-22,27. Gospel. Mk 7:1-8,14-15,21-23
Theme: True Religion
The readings today point to the need to practice true religion, namely, doing the will of God. The will of God is found in his commandments. Thus, true religion is about obedience to the commandments of God. It is about walking the talk. It is about being doers of the word of God. Furthermore, it is about integrity and righteousness. True Religion is about worshipping God in spirit and in truth. It is very easy to be carried away by external practices of religion. We need external rituals and traditions in worshipping God, but we must live out the street of the law. In the first reading, Moses told his people to keep the statutes and ordinances of God. This will lead them to possess the promise land. Keeping the commandments of God will make them to stand out as a people who are wise and understanding. This obedience to the ordinances of God will lead them to greatness.(Deut 4:1-8). Moses told them not to add to the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. In the gospel reading, the Lord condemn the Pharisees for setting aside the commandments of God for their own man made traditions. In our Christian journey, we too need to be careful so that we do not set aside the commandments of God for our own rules and regulations. This danger is very much with us today. In the second reading, the apostle James tells us what constitute true religion. Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves (James 1:22). This is what true religion entails, living out the word of God. Taking care of the orphans and widows in their afflictions and keeping oneself unstained from the world. In other words, living a life of charity and purity. In this reflection, we shall highlight why we should practice true religion and how to fulfil true religion.
Why We Should Practice True Religion
First, it is the will of God that we should serve him in truth and in spirit (Jn 4:24). This is what true religion implies.
Second, we should practice true religion because of our nobility and dignity as God’s children (1 Jn 3:2). The practice of true religion is about becoming who you are.
Third, we should practice true religion because it leads to inner peace and harmony. There is the joy that money cannot buy. There is peaceful and fulfilment in practising true religion.
Fourth, we should practice true religion because of the four last things, namely, death, judgment, heaven and hell. We should always bear in mind that we are going to give account of our stewardship here on earth (Mt 25:31-45).
How to Practice True Religion
First, living a life of obedience to the commandments of God. This is the message of today’s readings. Both the first reading and the Gospel pointed at it. (Deut 4:1-8). The Master told us, if you love me, you keep my commandments (Jn 14:15).
Second, we also practice true religion by walking the talk. In other words, we should become men and women of integrity. When we practice a life of integrity, we are practising true religion.
Third, by walking humbly with God, we practice true religion. The prophet Micah has this to say, “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you; Only to do justice and to love goodness and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Fourth, having a pure heart and mind enable us to practice true religion. The Master told us in the gospel reading, for from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness (Mk 7:21-23).
Fifth, the apostle James in today’s second reading tells us that true religion lies in living a pure life and charity towards the orphans and the widows (James 1:27). This involves corporal and spiritual works of mercy. When we sincerely care for the poor and vulnerable, we practice true religion.
Sixth, when we are poor in spirit, we practice true religion. In other words, when we put our hope and confidence in divine providence, we practice true religion. The scripture tells us, our help is in the name of the Lord (Psalm 121:2). When we depend on God for direction, guidance and support, we practice true religion.
Seventh, when we live a life of virtue, we practice true religion. In other words, living a life of faith, hope and love. (1 Cor 13:13). This is all that is involved. Let us become men and women of virtue and holiness.
Prayers
Lord, help us to practice true religion. Lord, deliver us from hypocrisy and duplicity. Lord, give us the grace of understanding and wisdom, help us to be men and women of integrity. Lord, please sustain us till the very end. Amen. I wish you a beautiful Sunday.
With lots of prayers and love
