Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word

Reflections

• We work in many different ways. Most adults work for an employer, working at a job site or a desk, getting paid by their employer. Many adults work for their families, raising their children or caring for an elderly or a family member with special needs. Many adults work multiple jobs or have many responsibili ties. For children and teens, school is their main work. But there’s a whole other work that we have as Christians, and that’s the work of hearing the word of God and—nourished by the Eucharist and guided by the Spirit—putting it into action in our world. As James so bluntly put it: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.” (James 1:22).

• If we leave here today and do nothing to put God’s word and Jesus’ presence into action this coming week, we will have failed. If we return next week real izing that we have not given any thought to our faith since today, we will have failed. We sang in today’s psalm that “the one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord” (Psalm 15:1). Note the easily overlooked word does. Are you actively doing justice in your family, your school or workplace, your com munity, the world? Are you finding and taking opportunities to do justice socially, economically, environmentally? To hear the call for justice is good, to take it to heart and preach it is better, but what we are truly called to do is to do it.

• Moses boldly proclaims that if they observe God’s commands carefully, their new nation, Israel, will be seen by others as wise and intelligent. Why? He points to two characteristics: 1) God is close, accompanying them and ready to respond, and 2) their laws are just. Justice was paramount, demanding fair ness, impartiality, and righteousness. Observance of the law brought justice. Over time, some in authority missed this connection and focused on infractions like eating with unclean hands. Recall the story of the good Samaritan, whom the priest and the Levite passed by because they felt they needed to keep their hands pure. In rebuking these men, Jesus condemns the practice of tying God’s commands to human rituals rather than to creating a just world.

Question of the Week
Where do I see injustice in my family, workplace, community, or the world? What will I do to help bring justice to those who need it in each of those places?

-from Pastoral Patterns

LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, September 1, 2024

SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, September 1, 2024

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