Gospel Reflections for August 29 2021: 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Gospel for August 29 2021 – Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Gospel Reflections for August 29 2021

Your basic checklist

Moses has something important for the people to do in the First Reading before they enter the long-awaited land God had promised them (now modern-day Israel).

40 years earlier Moses led them out of Egyptian slavery and across the Red Sea that was miraculously parted by God. During their long desert journey, God also gave them the famous Ten Commandments. They describe the behaviors that God said would assure them lasting happiness and identify them to people everywhere that they followed the one true God.

What was it that Moses felt was so important that they do before entering? Make money? Raise armies? Get special equipment?

Moses was a wise leader and he knew exactly what they needed. He wanted them prepared in their heart and soul, so he read the Ten Commandments to them again! 

After all, these are the behaviors of followers of God, who miraculously frees people from slavery. These are the behaviors that tell people …who they are and what they are to do.

They would need to know both since they were entering a land already filled with a pagan culture that practiced human sacrifice and other violent acts. The Israelites would need to be strong on the inside to stay true to themselves.

This is a useful thing to do for anyone facing any big event, like a job interview, a marriage proposal, a healthcare event, a housing decision, or anything important about your family. That is a great time to ask the same questions, “Who am I …and what am I to do?” Your answers keep you grounded in integrity, where your actions match your true self.

In the Gospel, Jesus references the kosher laws of ancient Israel that were often only concerned about outside appearances rather than inner truth. If you have your inner convictions set and know what they are, then it is unlikely that any outside influence can affect you. You can be true to yourself among any group of people in any workplace, school, or community. What a great lesson to learn!

School has already started for many students. These readings are a great lesson for young people. Every day, they leave their families for a few hours and mix with people from all kinds of different backgrounds and beliefs. The readings remind them to be true to who they are and how they are to behave …no matter what. 

Your best checklist …You are a follower of Jesus …and you keep the Ten Commandments.

God Bless!

Fr. Dave