Dear friends in Christ,
As we gather on this twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to reflect deeply on our relationship with God, particularly in how we observe His commandments. Today’s readings challenge us to move beyond a superficial observance of rules and rituals, urging us to embrace a deeper, more authentic form of religion—one that is expressed through our actions, our love for others, and our everyday choices.
The word “religion” comes from the Latin religare, meaning “to bind.” It signifies a bond or obligation directed toward God. True religion, therefore, is not just about external practices, but about an internal commitment that binds us to God, inspiring us to live out His commandments in every aspect of our lives.
In our everyday lives, we often follow rules to achieve success—whether in work, education, or personal endeavors. Similarly, our relationship with God is guided by His commandments. The first reading today reminds us of Moses’ instruction to the Israelites: “Obey all the laws that I am teaching you, and you will live and occupy the land the Lord is giving you” (Dt 4:1-2). This obedience is not merely a requirement but a path to a fulfilling life under God’s care.
However, many people meticulously obey secular laws while neglecting God’s commandments. For example, someone might strictly follow corporate regulations but disregard God’s teachings on honesty and fairness. Or an individual may obey traffic laws yet ignore the command to love their neighbor, engaging in gossip or discrimination. These examples show the troubling disconnect that can occur when we prioritize human laws over divine law.
Moreover, some of us fall into the trap of being “cafeteria Christians,” picking and choosing which aspects of our faith to follow. For instance, some may be diligent in charity work but neglect their Sunday obligation. Others might attend Mass regularly but reject the Church’s teachings on marriage or the sanctity of life. These selective approaches to faith reduce our relationship with God to a matter of convenience rather than true commitment.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, who focused on external rituals rather than the spirit of the law. Their emphasis on appearing righteous, rather than truly living righteously, serves as a cautionary tale for us. True religion is not about outward appearances but about the condition of our hearts. Jesus challenges us to consider whether our religious practices lead us to deeper love for God and others.
The tendency to focus on externals reminds me of an incident where a parishioner demanded a Mass stipend refund because an older priest mistakenly mentioned the wrong name during the intention. Despite the priest correcting himself during Mass, apologizing, and promising another Mass for the correct intention, the parishioner insisted on speaking with the pastor. This shows a misunderstanding of a Mass intention—as if God might direct the spiritual benefits to the wrong soul! It’s a humorous yet telling example of how we can get caught up in details and miss the true spirit of our practices.
As we reflect on our lives, let us strive to avoid the pitfalls of selective faith and the neglect of God’s commandments. Instead, let us commit to living our faith fully, recognizing that true religion binds us to God in love and obedience. May this commitment lead us to a deeper and more authentic relationship with God and with one another.
With blessings and prayers,
Msgr. Cuong M. Pham