From Ritual to Reality: Cultivating Inner Holiness

 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 01, 2024

Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1–2,6–8; Psalm 15:2–5; James 1:17–18, 21–22, 27; Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/dmZbwuanoqE

Often we are lost in external things, which might not be necessary at all to reach God. In glorifying external things, we might lose what is necessary, essential and salvific. As scripture rightly puts it, God sees the heart of man and woman. Internal aspects are very essential that might bring us closer to God. Psalms always ask for grace, “Create in me a clean heart, O Lord” (Psalm 51:10-19). That should be our prayer every day of our lives. The liturgical readings of this 22nd Sunday in ordinary time of the year, invite us to get into the innermost of our being and see what pleases God and not what pleases men and women of today. True holiness comes from within, and it is only through God's grace that we can be cleansed and made new.

1. Look at the interiority rather than the exteriority

In Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes who criticize His disciples for eating with unwashed hands, which they see as a breach of tradition. Jesus responds by challenging their focus on external rituals over the inner condition of the heart. He emphasizes that it is not what enters a person from the outside that defiles them, but what comes from within. Jesus invites us to consider how we can cultivate a purity that goes beyond external rituals. Are we allowing God to shape our inner life? Are we more concerned with how we appear to others than with the state of our hearts? 

This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of true purity. The Pharisees' obsession with ritual cleanliness reveals a deeper issue: the danger of focusing on outward appearances while neglecting the inner life. Jesus calls out this hypocrisy, reminding us that God's concern is not with our external conformity but with the state of our hearts. The inner corruption that Jesus speaks of—evil thoughts, deceit, pride, envy—are what truly defile us. These are not visible to others, but they are known to God, and they are what we must seek to cleanse. This requires a commitment to self-examination and a willingness to allow God to transform our hearts.

2. Intellect that makes your faith: Focused and lucid

Our spiritual life can easily become entangled in routines, traditions, and the expectations of others. While these practices have value, they can lead us away from genuine faith when they become ends in themselves. Jesus invites us to examine our motives and desires and to ask ourselves whether our religious practices are drawing closer to God or merely serving as a facade. Perhaps as Christians, we might get carried away by the popular devotions which in essence might not lead us nowhere moreover making us superstitious. 

Our faith and practices must be governed by our intellect, St Anselm of Canterbury said in the 5th Century, “Fides Quam Intellectum” faith that makes intellect refine” and “Fides que Intellectum” Intellect that makes faith refine. Often religions, as time passes by, move away from the authentic and real teachings of their founder. As cultures and other intellectual ideas intersect with the teachings of the founders, diversion takes place, resulting in a faith shallow and unintellectual. 

3. Perfect gifts from God alone

The Apostle James 1:17–18, 21–22, 27, offers profound insights into the nature of God's gifts, the importance of living out our faith, and the essence of true religion. It is a true encouragement and a challenge, having already heard about Jesus, calling us to align our lives with God's perfect will. James begins by reminding us that "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). Therefore, we must acknowledge that all blessings, both spiritual and material, originate from God's unchanging goodness. 

In a world where circumstances are often unpredictable, this truth provides a solid foundation. God’s constancy assures us that His gifts are not fleeting or arbitrary but are rooted in His eternal character. We are called to respond with gratitude, recognizing that everything we have is a reflection of God’s love and generosity. The Word of God is living and active, calling us to put aside all moral filth and humbly accept it so that it can take root in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives. Finally, true faith is demonstrated by our actions, guides our decisions, shapes our relationships, and transforms our communities.

Questions for self-reflection:


1. Are we merely hearers of the Word, or are we doers as well marked by both compassion and purity? 
2. Are we living out our faith in tangible ways, particularly in how we treat the vulnerable and marginalized? Orphans and widows in their distress, caring for those in need and living a life of integrity?
3. In what ways am I actively allowing God's Word to shape my thoughts, actions, and attitudes?

Prayer based on Psalm 15

Heavenly Father,

I come before You seeking to dwell in Your presence and live a life that is pleasing to You. Help me to walk with integrity, to speak truth from my heart, and to do what is right in Your eyes. Guard my tongue from slander and my hands from harm, that I may treat others with love and respect. Give me the strength to stand firm in my commitments, even when it is difficult, and to honour those who fear You. Lord, keep me from greed and injustice, that I may live righteously and never be shaken in Your holy presence. I make this prayer in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

30 August 2024