Reflection for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time-August 29, 2021

By Sr. Rita Ostry ND

Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-8

James 1:17-18, 21b-22,27

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15,21-23

All three readings of the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary time are powerful reminders of the importance of living from the heart. We are called to humbly welcome and trust the Spirit, the love and word of God placed within each of us. Living in this way enables us to bring life and hope to others. We read that it is not the meticulous following of rules and regulations that God desires. Rather it is the presence of faithfulness to God and compassion to our neighbor that God asks of us. This is what brings life to others and our world.

Living from the heart challenges me to check often the spirit, the attitude, and the presence I share with others. It takes soul searching, honesty in facing myself, and prayer time spent talking to God about these things. One’s spirit can be found in the tone of one’s voice, the expression on one’s face – does it show respect and offer welcome? One’s attitude can be evident in comments or remarks one makes – am I quick to be critical, to be impatient or judgmental or do I try to understand, wonder about or ask someone about their particular point of view. The presence one brings can convey acceptance and openness to the other.

As we journey through this coming week may we check often —

How am I living from the heart?
How am I becoming that person God delights in and desires me to be?