Gospel Reflections for August 30 2015: 22nd Sunday Ordinary Time

Gospel Reflections for August 30 2015

The best “to do” list’

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

Forty 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, they received the Ten Commandments from God as well. They describe the behaviors that God said would assure them lasting happiness and also identify them to people everywhere that they followed God.

I am sure they wondered what it was that Moses felt was so important to do before entering. What was that special preparation they should do? 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, those are the behaviors of followers of God, who miraculously freed them slavery. These are the behaviors that tell the 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 useful thing to do for anyone facing any big event, like a job interview, a marriage proposal, 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?” The answers keep us grounded in integrity, where our actions match our true self.

In the Gospel, Jesus references the kosher laws of ancient Israel that at times were more concerned about outside appearances rather than the inner truths. If we have our inner convictions together and know what they are, then it is unlikely that any outside influence can affect us. We can be true to ourselves 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.

Our best “To Do” list” …We are followers of Jesus and we keep the Ten Commandments.

God Bless!

Fr. Dave