My homily for 22nd Sunday in ordinary time year B.

Historical Background of Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

During the time of Deuteronomy, Moses played a crucial role as the leader and mediator of the Israelites. Moses was responsible for conveying God’s laws to the Israelites. In Deuteronomy, he reiterates and explains these laws to the new generation, ensuring they understand the covenant and their responsibilities before entering the Promised Land. Moses acted as an intermediary between God and the people. He communicated God’s commands and guidance, and he also interceded on behalf of the Israelites when they sinned or faced challenges.

Knowing he would not enter the Promised Land; Moses used his final speeches to encourage and exhort the Israelites to remain faithful to God. He reminded them of God’s past faithfulness and urged them to obey His commandments for their well-being.

He delivered a series of speeches to the new generation of Israelites. These speeches serve as a reminder of God’s laws and the covenant between God and Israel. Today’s first reading is part of his exhortation to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God’s commandments as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

In verses 1 y 2: Moses begins by urging the Israelites to listen to the statutes and ordinances he is teaching them. He emphasizes that obedience to those statutes and ordinances is crucial for their survival and success in the Promised Land. He commanded them to Listen and obey. There is power in listening and obeying to God’s word. We too have to listen and obey to the word of God if we are to survive and succeed in this world. I’m very sure, many of you wouldn’t be here today if you had not listened and obeyed the word of God. Many people are lost in life today, because they refused to listen and obey the word of God. Listening and Obeying the word of God yields to survival and success.

While he admonished them to listen and obey, Moses warned them not to add to or subtract from God’s commandments, highlighting the importance of preserving the integrity of God’s word.

The warning against adding to or subtracting from God’s word underscores the importance of preserving the integrity of Scripture. We are called to respect and uphold the teachings of the Bible without altering them to fit our preferences.

Unfortunately today, sometimes we add on our own rules or subtract some away from God’s commands which makes other’s lives very difficult.

In verses 6 to 8: Moses explains the reward for listening and obeying God’s word. He explains that their obedience to God’s laws will demonstrate their wisdom and understanding to other nations. Obedience leads to wisdom. If you want to be a wise person, you need to obey the word of God.

Moses points out that no other nation has laws as righteous as those given to Israel by God. This obedience will not only bring them closer to God but also serve as a testimony to the surrounding nations of God’s greatness and the special relationship between God and Israel.

Obedience brings us closer to God.

Moses provides valuable insights into the blessings that come from faithfully obeying God’s commands: These are:

1. Greatness and Prominence: Obedience to God’s voice sets Israel “high above all the nations of the earth” (Deuteronomy 4:1). When they faithfully follow God’s statutes, they become a great and noticeable nation. Their obedience becomes a witness to other nations, demonstrating wisdom and discernment (verse 6). This greatness isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s visible and evident to those around them. When we obey God’s word, we become visible to the world.  Our obedience to God’s word can serve as a powerful witness to others. By living according to God’s principles, we demonstrate the wisdom and righteousness of God’s laws, potentially drawing others to Him.
2. Nearness to God: No other nation has a God as near as the Lord is to Israel (Deuteronomy 4:7). When they pray, God is attentive and close. Obedience fosters intimacy with God—a relationship marked by proximity and responsiveness. As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects our identity as God’s children, fostering a sense of community and purpose.
3. Righteous Decrees and Laws: Israel possesses a unique body of righteous decrees and laws (Deuteronomy 4:8). These laws shape their communal life, ensuring justice, fairness, and ethical conduct. Obedience to these laws not only benefits Israel but also serves as a model for other nations.

In summary, obedience leads to greatness, nearness to God, and a just and wise community. These rewards extend beyond mere individual blessings; they impact the entire nation and serve as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. As we apply these principles today, let’s remember that obedience isn’t just about following rules—it’s about aligning our lives with God’s wisdom and justice, impacting both our personal journey and the world around us.

Let’s pray

O God, give me an obedient heart. That I may listen to your word each day.

Help me to listen and obey your word that I may survive and succeed.

O God bring me closer to you and make me a testimony to all everyone around me.

O god make me great person

In the second reading, St Paul commend believers to

“Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves”. He continues to say that,

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this:

1. to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and
2. to keep oneself unstained by the world”.

A true religious person is the one that truly practices the two above.

How can we practically apply this principle in our daily lives?

Applying the principle of being doers of the Word in our daily lives involves intentional actions and consistent choices. Let’s explore some practical ways to live out this principle:

1. **Practice Biblical Teachings:
   1. Begin by actively living out the teachings found in Scripture. For example:
      1. Forgive Others: Practice forgiveness, even when it’s difficult. Forgive your wife, forgive your husband, forgive your children and neighbors.

O my Jesus, give me a forgiving heart.  Give me the courage and grace to forgive those who hurt me. Give me the courage and grace to forgive…so and so..

• Serve Those in Need: Look for opportunities to serve others—whether through volunteering, helping a neighbor, or supporting a local charity.
  • Demonstrate Kindness: Small acts of kindness—holding the door, offering a smile, or speaking encouraging words—reflect God’s love.
• **Pray for Guidance:
  • Regularly pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Ask for wisdom and discernment to become true doers of God’s Word.

3 x O Holy Spirit, guide me everyday to be a doer of God’s word.

• Seek God’s direction in specific situations, decisions, and interactions.
• **Share Experiences with Others:
  • Encourage friends and family to join you in living out their faith.
  • Share your experiences—both successes and challenges—so that others can learn and be inspired.
• **Reflect on Jesus’ Life:
  • Jesus is the ultimate example of a doer of the Word. Study His life in the Gospels.
  • Mirror His actions: care for the needy, visit the lonely, and express love to others.

The Sisters of Charity are doing this right. WE give glory to God for the gift of their congregation to the Church and the entire world.

Remember that being a doer of the Word is not about legalism or self-effort. It’s about aligning our lives with God’s truth, relying on His strength, and reflecting His love to the world.

O Jesus help me to be a doer of your word. X 3

In the gospel which comes from the book of Mark,

The religious leaders confront Jesus about ritual purity—specifically, the disciples’ failure to wash their hands before eating. The Jews had a practice of washing their hands up to elbows before eating. In response, Jesus redirects the conversation, highlighting that true defilement does not come from external practices but from the heart. Legalistic traditions can distract people from genuine spiritual transformation.

He emphasizes that external actions (like dietary rules) don’t inherently defile a person. Instead, it’s what comes from within—the intentions, thoughts, and attitudes—that matters. Evil intentions corrupt the heart.

He lists specific sins—evil thoughts, theft, murder, adultery, greed, deceit, envy, pride—that reveal the heart’s true condition.

These sins defile a person, not external factors. Jesus calls for inner transformation.

X 3, o Jesus, give me inner transformation.

Application of this gospel for us today.

• Heart Matters: Jesus challenges us to look beyond external religiosity. It’s not about following rules mechanically; it’s about the state of our hearts.
• Authentic Transformation: True defilement arises from within—our intentions, desires, and attitudes. We must seek inner renewal through Christ.
• Grace and Forgiveness: Recognize our own shortcomings and extend grace to others. Jesus’ message isn’t about condemnation but about redemption.

Our loving God invites us to examine ourselves, revealing hidden shortcomings and drawing us closer to Him and others.

May God bless you all

Fr. Stephen Kakande C.S.Sp