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THE 22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B - 28TH & 29TH AUGUST 2021
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REFLECTION
Time and time again whilst visiting my patients to provide emotional and spiritual support to them – I hear a common theme that emerges. It’s about, not being able to participate and attend church for various reasons, but, that they continue to try and live good lives, helping others when they can and not harming those around them or the earth.
Our Responsorial Psalm affirms that people that do the right thing will live in the house of the Lord forever. Our second reading too echoes this sentiment – to care for the less fortunate. It is our Gospel however that helps show us how to get rid of the extraneous things we humans place importance on.
Matthew tells us that Jesus calls us to an inner conversion of the heart by following His teachings, which will then help us to automatically negate the all misgivings and perhaps excuses we find ourselves using. I liken it, to having membership to an exclusive club or particular social or philanthropic group. We need to adhere to its norms and rules and participate in it, in order to fully enjoy the benefits of that fellowship.
Similarly, for us too, it’s an inner conversion that Jesus sets out for us as His followers. In being enriched by His teachings our actions will automatically reflect all that is good and true, enabling us to live our best lives. We have the guidelines to give us a full and worthwhile membership by using the free gifts of the Holy Spirit and our spiritually enriching Sacraments. I try to bring this aspect to the attention of my patients.
