Know the Will of God

09-01-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss

Dear People of God,

Religion Classes. September 4 is the first day of class for grades 1-6 and Sep 11th is for grades 7-10 grade students. Please return your forms, or contact Carrie Adams with questions. I request all parents to encourage your children to acquire religious knowledge on God, Saints, Bible, Sacraments, Sacramentals, and Sacred traditions.

On this twenty-second in Ordinary Time, the readings focus on God's laws and inner purity. In today's first reading, Moses tells the Israelites to follow God's laws. God's commands are wise. He also warned them not to add or remove from it.

Today's Responsorial Psalm 15 also encourages us to live faithfully and generously, trusting in God's close presence. In the second reading, James tells us not just to hear the word but to act on it. True faith is shown in our actions. Pure faith means helping those in need.

In today's gospel, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, who criticize His disciples for not following traditional rituals. Jesus responds by highlighting that true defilement comes from within, not from external practices. The Pharisees were fixated on strict observance, missing the law's true purpose – bringing people closer to God. Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity and genuine faith, urging them to focus on their hearts and relationship with God.

The quality of our life is measured by the quality of our heart. The best way to be faithful to God’s command is to allow our hearts to be transformed by it. So, rather than pay excessive attention to the letters of the law and physical purity, we must heed Paul’s advice: “Let your hearts be inwardly transformed so that you will know the will of God” (Rom 12, 2). God’s Will is his law. It must motivate us to love others and avoid evil. It must evoke true repentance and a sincere will to forgive others. It must keep us firm in faith. Above all, it must move us to pursue only what is good, just, noble, and holy.

May God's peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard your heart and mind. Wishing you good health, prosperity, protection, and strength in prayer. Have a Happy Sunday and a Happy Labor's Day!

Yours in Christ.