Daily Catholic Lectio
Sun, 1 Sep 2024
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Deuteronomy 4: 1-2, 6-8. James 1: 17-18, 21b-22, 27. and Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Formation of the heart
It is said, “The heart of education is the education of heart.” Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the formation of the heart – a journey that shapes our inner being and aligns us more closely with God’s will. The scope of religion in fact is the formation of the heart which aligns towards God, human persons, and the world. The Scriptures challenge us to examine not just our external actions but the very intentions and dispositions that guide our lives. True transformation begins within, in the heart, where God’s word takes root and flourishes.
In the first reading, Moses speaks to the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of observing God’s commandments. He urges them to adhere faithfully to the laws given by God, not adding to them or subtracting from them. This call to obedience is not merely about external conformity but about cultivating a heart that seeks to live according to God’s wisdom. The laws are meant to be a guide, shaping the moral fabric of the community and fostering a deep relationship with God.
Moses asserts that the ‘commandments’ were the visible expressions of God’s covenant with the people of Israel. They in fact symbolise God’s nearness, nation’s identity, and people’s privilege.
Moses points out that by living according to these statutes, the Israelites would reveal their wisdom and understanding to the nations. Their obedience reveal the closeness of their relationship with God. The formation of the heart, therefore, begins with a sincere acceptance of God’s word, allowing it to penetrate our lives and guide our actions.
The letter of James (second reading) further deepens this theme by reminding us that every good gift comes from above, from the Father of lights. James highlights the transformative power of God’s word, which, when received with humility, can save our souls. But he also warns against being mere hearers of the word. It is not enough to listen; we must also be doers.
The formation of the heart is an active process. It requires us to internalize God’s word and let it shape our daily lives. True religion, James tells us, is not about external rituals but about caring for those in need and keeping ourselves unstained by the world. A heart formed by God’s word will naturally lead to acts of charity, compassion, and purity.
The gospel reading divides into three sections: (a) The Pharisees’ allegation against Jesus’ disciples for not observing the tradition of the elders; (b) Jesus’ exhortation to the Pharisees to move towards God’s commandments, and not towards the human traditions; and (c) Direction of defilement is not from external to internal, but from internal to external.
The Lord God gave the people of Israel the Decalogue – Ten Commandments (cf. Exod 20; Deut 5). But along the ages, as teachers began to interpret these commandments as ordinances, laws, and instructions, they led the people away from the true spirit of the Lord, i.e., the relationship between God and human persons.
The Pharisees – the word comes from ‘pharisein’ meaning ‘to set oneself apart from others’ – considered ‘purity’ as their characteristic mark and were keen on observing rituals concerning the same. Meanwhile, ‘purity’ for them not only had a religious meaning, but also a sociological meaning. Through ‘purity rituals’ they kept themselves aloof from the ‘defiled Gentiles.’ Thus, they not only moved away from God, but forgot that the discussion of purity rests in the internal forum.
Jesus calls out their hypocrisy, highlighting that they honour with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. He challenges them – and us – to look beyond external practices and examine the state of our hearts. Jesus teaches that it is not what enters a person from the outside that defiles them but what comes from within. Evil thoughts, intentions, and actions stem from the heart. Therefore, the formation of the heart is crucial; it determines the kind of people we are and the lives we lead.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to examine our own hearts. Are we like the Pharisees, focusing on external observances while neglecting the inner transformation that God desires? Or are we open to allowing God’s word to take root in us, transforming our hearts and guiding our actions?
The formation of the heart requires humility, a willingness to be shaped by God’s word, and a commitment to live out that word in our daily lives. It is a lifelong process, one that involves continual self-examination, repentance, and renewal. It involves a deep, spiritual transformation. Here are three essential steps for this journey:
(a) Receive and internalize God’s word: The first step in forming the heart is to genuinely receive and internalize God’s Word. This involves more than just reading or hearing Scripture; it requires allowing God’s Word to penetrate our hearts and minds, transforming our thoughts, desires, and attitudes.
(b) Practice obedience to God’s commandments: Obedience to God’s commandments is crucial in shaping the heart. This means living out God’s teachings in our daily lives, allowing His commandments to guide our decisions, actions, and interactions with others. True obedience is a reflection of a heart that is aligned with God’s will.
(c) Cultivate inner purity and integrity: The final step is to cultivate inner purity and integrity by regularly examining our hearts and purging any thoughts, attitudes, or behaviours that are not pleasing to God. This involves a constant process of repentance, renewal, and striving for holiness in every aspect of our lives.
By following these three steps – receiving God’s Word, practicing obedience, and cultivating inner purity – we can undergo a true formation of the heart, becoming more like Christ and living out our faith in a way that reflects His love and goodness.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
Leave a comment