Page 5 - Awaken ~ Summer 2024

September 1, 2024
Twenty–second Sunday in Ordinary Time
P F L A U M G O S P E L W E E K L I E S F a i t h F o r m a t i o n P r o g r a m
Awaken is written and edited
by Jo Ann Paradise, D.Min.
Deuteronomy 4:1–2, 6–8
Why are the Israelites called the
chosen people? This contradicts
the revelation of Jesus that God
has no favorites. This term may
come from one of the meanings
of the word chosen. When we say
someone was chosen, it often has
the connotation of being special.
“I was chosen to lead the line to
recess!” Moses makes clear what
God means when he calls the
Israelites his chosen people. The
Israelites have been chosen by God
to live in right relationship with
him through the Law. Through
the lived practice of their faith,
they will bring other peoples, those
who believe in other gods, to know
Yahweh as the one true God. They
are chosen for a mission—a mission
of evangelization. “For what nation
is there that has gods so close to it as
the Lord, our God…” (v. 7).
James 1:17–18, 21b–22,27
James shares three thoughts to
ground his conclusion that all that
is good is a gift from God. God
has willed reconciliation with the
world through his Son, Jesus. This
makes the first disciples the “first
fruits” of the new age. Because of
this, the Word (the Good News of
salvation) has taken root in their
hearts. Now, a drum roll, please!
James proclaims, “Be doers of the
word and not just hearers only” (v.
22). Faith and action are partners
in the dance of discipleship. We
cannot simply pray for the orphans
and widows. Our prayers must lead
us to action. Our action calls for
both charity (generous giving) and
work toward eliminating systems
that bring about the suffering of the
oppressed.
Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23
Remember being called to the table
for dinner with the phrase “Go wash
your hands”? This cleansing practice
was part of the ritual of Jewish
households, commanded in the
Law of Moses. Its meaning however,
was more than hygiene. The hand
washing signaled that something
sacred was about to happen. The
prayer recited during the ritual
was a reminder that living in right
relationship with God requires
living his Law. This may help us
understand why the Pharisees
become so upset when they observe
some of Jesus’ disciples preparing
to eat without purifying themselves.
Jesus’ responds, “You disregard
God’s commandment but cling to
human tradition” (v. 8). Jesus is
reminding the Pharisees that they
have separated the ritual from its
meaning.
Deuteronomy 4:1–2, 6–8
James 1:17–18, 21b–22, 27
Mark 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23
Sunday’s
READINGS
What can help you to
become more aware that
your thoughts lead to
actions?
Virtue and vice are both
habitual patterns. Name
a virtue that was once a
difficult choice for you that
has now become a natural
response because of your
consistent choice.
Thoughts for
REFLECTION
Opening
PRAYER
Lord, help me to find moments
in my daily routines that
can become reminders of your
presence. Amen.
Becoming Disciples of the Word
Scripture Background
What You NEED to KNOW
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