22nd Sunday in Ordinary time
Readings
Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-8
James 1:17-18,21-22,27
Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23
Reflection
Today, Jesus challenges us in the readings to embrace a genuine faith. He says, “Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” (Mark 7:15). In both normal social and Christian circles, it’s easy to become entangled in social hierarchies and exclusion. The local Church gossip might warn, “Oh no, don’t be seen hanging out with that group.” We come to define ourselves by who we avoid, rather than by who we include and love. The most damaging Christian community is one where this kind of ‘decorative’ Christianity is found. One that polices skirt lengths and creeds but neglects any deeper transformation of the heart.
Focusing on outward appearances can be a great way to never have to look at our own sins and heart. We whisper to ourselves, “At least I’m not like them,” as if God’s love is earned by behaviour rather than given freely by grace. As one quote beautifully puts it, “I know I have forgotten the gospel of Grace when your sins bother me more than my own.”
The true good news of the gospel of Jesus penetrates this surface-level Christianity. While outward purity remains superficial, the Cross of Jesus is an ever deeper embrace of all the things ‘religion’ calls impure. It’s an ever-growing knowing of your own deep unworthiness in receiving the Grace of God and therefore stripping you ever of the right to reject anyone. Let us allow Jesus’s love this week to transform our hearts into vessels of true faith and transformation.
Claire O’Donohue is a current Oxley Passionist Youth Retreat Team member. While also in her final year of university, she is completing her bachelor’s degree with a major in visual art and theology.