There's something sobering about September. Summer ends, school is in full swing, and as we honor our labor (2), we're aware it's time to pick up the pace all around.

Jesus has no tolerance for lip service. Pure hands are nothing compared with pure hearts in his eyes.

Here’s a dichotomy of readings that invites us to think: Moses presents to the people a law that ostensibly contains the mind of God. Not a thing must be added or subtracted from it. Jesus disparages the legal experts for clinging to the law, down to the last details.

“Hold my hand before you cross the street.” I can hear my dad’s voice in my head to this day, as I approach any intersection.

Ignorance of the law does not mean we are free from keeping it. It is our responsibility to know what the laws are. Ignorance is no defense. Maybe that’s why there are so many lawyers.

As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ’s love, let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord for forgiveness.

Rules are for the obeyance of fools, and the guidance of wise men.

Browse our library for additional Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B material.

Click here to view the Take Five weekly for September 01, 2024.