Soul X-Rays

Greetings on this the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Dt 4:1-2, 6-8; Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5; Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Notes: I will not get to preach this weekend. But as my friends on Twitter know, teaching is a gift like preaching. Teaching moves the mind. Preaching moves the soul.

Sincerity in either moves both mind and soul.

First reading
Moses said, observe the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin upon you.

As we noted in the Saturday reflection (Not Interested?) we are all given the talent of love and of all the commandments this is the highest.

Responsorial Psalm
The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.

A pretty good list given in this psalm:

• Walk blamelessly.
• Do justice.
• Thinks the truth in his heart.
• Slanders not with his tongue.
• Who harms not his fellow man.
• Who does not take up a reproach against his neighbor.
• He honors those who fear the LORD.
• Who lends not his money at usury.
• Accepts no bribe against the innocent.

Second reading
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this:
to care for orphans and widows in their affliction
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

(include single Moms and abandoned women in crisis).

Alleluia Verse
The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Gospel Portion
If only we could see?

The Surfside building deteriorated sight unseen. The capacity to see deep inside the structure is a recent innovation but if used could spot the corrosion at critical junctions and support pressure points.

• Looking inside would have saved lives.
• Looking inside ourselves is called reflection (Reflective Souls).

Week Review of readings:

• All week Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians encouraged them by saying I applaud your good work, do more!
• All week Jesus has been telling us to look inside ourselves lest we deceive ourselves regarding our sin and works.

Today Jesus gets specific.

Our sins come from our strengths or specifically the weakening or perversion of our strengths (virtues into vices). I took the list and imagined what the pure version of the sin would be and how really, given some effort, the better is you. Maybe you would like to fix my list. But perhaps you can see, deep inside, is the better you wanting to return to the better of these things.

• Evil thoughts – instead really you want to have pure thoughts.
• Unchastity – instead really you desire to be faithful.
• Theft – instead really you desire to share.
• Murder – instead really a passion for justice.
• Adultery -instead really you appreciate beauty.
• Greed – instead really you appreciate the natural good.
• Malice – instead really you want justice for yourself.
• Deceit – instead really you don’t want to disappoint others.
• Licentiousness -instead really you are social.
• Envy – instead really you appreciate the gifts of others.
• Blasphemy – instead really you want to be what God meant you to be.
• Arrogance – instead really you appreciate yourself.
• Folly – instead really you are playful.

Interesting: Scott Hahn blog: http://www.scotthahn.com/blog/defile

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry