Daily Gospel Reflection for August 29, 2021 - 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Laurann Donahue

Today's Gospel: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

So, the “elders” did not understand why Jesus, as a practicing Jew, did not reprimand His disciples for not performing the ritual cleansing before they ate. After all, only Gentiles ate without cleansing themselves. Jesus was their master so He was expected to enforce the “law.” However, this “law” was partly customs added by the “elders” yet held to the same standard as God’s Law. Jesus quotes Scripture telling them that their rules are not nearly as important as giving their hearts to God. After all, evil comes from the inside.

God wants our heart; He wants our love. Even attending Mass, following the Ten Commandments and Church ordinances, and doing the right thing is all well and good but it is not enough if you do not love God. Without love, it is all empty gestures. All the things we do, we need to do for our love of God. Once we start doing things just to check off boxes or because we feel we have to, our faith begins to weaken and become shallow. We must not “disregard God’s Commandment [and] cling to human tradition.” We should remember why we have a Catholic Church; why we have Faith; why we enter the sacrifice of the Mass. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. All good things, not evil, should come from inside us. Remember your love for Him at Mass. Remember your love for Him as you pray, and do good works. Remember your love for Him everyday and in every thing.

Ponder:

Do I love God with all my heart?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help me love You with all my heart. Help me never to get so involved in "things" that I forget my love for You. Amen

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All the things we do, we need to do for our love of God. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Laurann Donahue