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22nd Sunday B
Dt 4:1-2, 6-8
“Hear, O Israel” (Shema’) is a solemn call to be attentive to God’s word. It serves as an introduction to the subsequent body of laws in the book. Faithful observance of the law leads to life, and life is represented by possession of the promised land (v1). There is also an injunction not to make any later additions or deletions (v2), emphasizing the wisdom in the law. Through the observance of the law, Israel demonstrates its superior status. The law highlights God’s closeness to his people and, being comprehensive and rooted in justice, it is unmatched among the nations (v6ff).
Jas 1:17-18, 21-22, 27
This passage emphasizes God as the ultimate giver of gifts. His brilliance remains unaltered (v17), unlike the heavenly bodies which change in visible brightness. The word of God brings believers to new life (vv17f; Jn 3:5f), similar to Christ himself. Believers are called to bear abundant fruit through deep roots. The word has the power to save, but faith must be expressed in action (vv23ff). Additionally, the passage underscores the importance of outreach to the needy in society, highlighting caring for the disadvantaged as authentic worship (v27).
Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
This chapter in Mark explores Christ’s stance on various issues, including the purification ritual (vv1-8), human tradition versus divine commandments (vv9-13), and Jewish food laws (vv18-23). Christ challenges the legalism of the Pharisees (vv6f), denouncing their emphasis on external conformity rather than a change of heart. He criticizes their ranking of secondary precepts with the Torah itself and their disregard for divine law in favor of human precepts (7:9-13). Christ addresses how his contemporaries had become lost in detailed prescriptions and forgotten the true meaning of religion, with their adherence to external observance often overshadowing their faith and fundamental responsibilities.
Jesus shows respect for the Hebrew law in its basic formulation. But he criticizes the Jewish legalism of his time to emphasize the supremacy of the divine over any manmade law, which would lead us to what St. James speaks of as the authentic practice of religion. Amen!
