Friends,
This week’s readings challenge us to reflect on how much the word of God influences our lives. In the first reading, Moses explains to the people that obeying the laws in the commandments will provide them with life in the land promised to them by the Lord.
Like the Jewish Christians who first heard the words of the letter of James, we are called not just to listen to the word but to act on it. Let’s care for those in need and strive to live good and honest lives. In the Gospel, Jesus describes the lip service of the Pharisees, who, as foretold in the words of Isaiah, offer ‘worthless worship.’ Their adherence to human traditions and values takes their hearts far from God.
This week, let’s take a moment to reflect on how closely our lives reflect what God asks of us. Let’s consider how we can adapt the words of the Psalm to walk without fault, act with justice, and speak truth from the heart.
Chosen to be the children of God, we pray for the grace, strength, and courage to live according to the message of the truth we have received through the teaching of Jesus.
Joy and peace.
