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

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth
that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Jas 1:18
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8, Psalm 15:2-5, 
James 1:17-18, 21B-22, 27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23


Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

You are the Word of God sent by Him into the world. In the Word of God is the Wisdom of God and the Spirit of the Most High. God has spoken and in the Word made Flesh who dwelt among us we have been made in and through Him children of the Father. 

Grant Beloved that we are not distracted by the lures and lies of Satan or the world, or even by our own intellect, rather, let us cling to You and to the Sacraments and You will keep us safe from the wiles of the Enemy. We trust in You and in Your Word for in You is Life that never ends.

Psalm 15:2-5

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

There is nothing that is hidden about the riches of God, the treasures of the Kingdom, and the Way to get to the Kingdom. All is revealed first through the Law and the Prophets of the Old Testaments and then in all its perfection in You.

We have no excuse Beloved. We do not grope in darkness for the Truth. Truth came into the World and with it brought Light to all the Nations. The darkness has not only been overcome it has been dispelled. Anyone who walks by the Light of Your Word receives Life, eternal life. 

Those who receive You, those who possess You and are possessed by You will never die.

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

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

Three short years the Apostles lived with You and were imbued with the Truth. This is the Truth that is handed down to us through the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Mother Church.

In imitation of You, they lay down their lives to preach and teach the Good News of salvation to the world. Your Word is unchanging it is the same yesterday, tomorrow and forever. This is why we can put all our hope, faith and trust in it - for it is the Word of Life that saves.

St. James reminds us that our actions and our words must complement each other - if they don't that we are liars and the Truth does not dwell in us. We are called to Love Truth and to permit the Truth to Light our path and dispel the darkness that comes from sin and from evil. You keep us safe from the wiles of the Enemy when we permit Truth to make a home in us.
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

My Love, Beloved of my soul,

What You said to the Pharisees and scribes in today's Gospel is just as relevant today.

There are people from different cultures who hold on so fervently to their human traditions that they are horrified when anyone does not follow them. They are prepared to go to any lengths to ostracise these people who offend them by not following their cultural rules and laws. They are prepared to hurt and humiliate people and alienate them and think less of them because they refuse to do as they have done for generations.

Today, You speak unambiguously about man-made traditions and it will do us all well to pay attention. What is important is that we love each other. It is better to have unwashed hands than an unclean heart. 

We look down on one another because of the things we eat and drink which some consider taboo because they believe that these foods are unclean. Today we are reminded that it is from within the human heart that all manner of evil and vile behavior emanates.

Thank You for the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and the Eucharist that are able to wash us clean and make us children of God, forgives us of all our sins and restores our friendship with God and makes us one with You and with Him as we eat the Bread of Life. Keep us humble Beloved knowing that we cannot save ourselves but have been saved by You. Amen.