Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk
22nd Sunday of
the Year, B – September 2, 2018.
Readings: Deut. 4:1-2.6-8;
Ps 15:2-3a.3bc-4ab.5(R.1a);
James
1:17-18.21b-22.27; Gospel – Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23.
Theme: Unspoilt Religion: Standing Up for
Orphans, Widows & Vulnerable Groups!
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, our
liturgy talks to us about the practical dimensions of our faith. The discussion
between Jesus and some Pharisees and Scribes puts us in a position to
distinguish between the essentials and the non-essentials of our faith
otherwise known as “Tradition” with capital “T” and tradition with small “t.” Our reflection titled “Unspoilt Religion:
Standing Up for Orphans, Widows & Vulnerable Groups” challenges us about
the demands of practical witnessing of the faith.
According to an article
published in Daily Times on July 19,
2018, titled “Pains of Widowhood in Nigeria,” Nigeria has over 8 million
disadvantaged widows and over 21 million orphans. This statistics indicate that
the grim scenario is on the increase due to the prevalence of crisis, terminal
ailments, crimes, religion and politics. We shall scan through the background
of our readings to see how it addresses the plight of the vulnerable while drawing
practical lessons.
Background
& Summary of the Readings
The first reading from
the Book of Deuteronomy (Deut.
4:1-2.6-8)
tells us how God demanded the diligent attention of the sons and daughters of
Israel to his word, statutes and judgments. It presents us with the instruction
of Moses to the people about the need to follow the Laws and Customs given to
them by God. He maintains that it was necessary to observe them so as to have
life and enter the land God promised to their fathers he would give them. Moses
also cautions against adding or subtracting from the precepts. He further makes
the point that keeping the Lord’s commands would show to others their wisdom
and understanding as they say of them: “No other people is as wise and prudent
as this great nation.” He surmises that the people would testify that their God
is near to them and that he has given them laws to guide them.
In the second reading (James
1:17-18.21b-22.27), St. James makes the point that “as God’s first fruits” we
are called to a wholehearted, consistent and comprehensive devotion to God. He
challenges Christians to grow beyond mere listening of the word of God to putting
it into practice. He insists that the faith that counts is one that is actually
operative in one’s life by emphatically stating that “pure and undefiled
religion is caring for orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself
unstained from the world.” According to biblical law and prophetic
pronouncements, widows and orphans were considered as the less fortunate
members of the society singled for special consideration in ancient times.
Apparently, James appears to measure our faith based our personal relationships
with others as well as habits of speech. He urges us to fulfill divine purpose
by becoming first fruits of God’s creatures through the primary expression of
religion namely, reaching out to the poor and neglected.
The Gospel text (Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23) recalls the
criticism Jesus received from some Pharisees and Scribes who came from
Jerusalem because his disciples were eating with unclean hands. The mention of Jerusalem here is
for emphasis because it is the Eternal Capital of the Jews and since they came
from there, they had the effrontery to challenge Jesus. They felt they had the
obligation to ensure full observance of the Law of the elders as observed in
Jerusalem. Mark tells us that Jesus gave them a run for their money by calling
them hypocrites and accusing them of honouring him with lip service while their
hearts were far from him. He even called the worship they offer worthless and
doctrines, mere human traditions.
It is crucial to note
that the tradition of elders they were talking about was the ritual
purification meant for priests of the Levitical family which they kept
insisting about. That was why the Jews were divided as regards compliance.
Jesus goes ahead to lecture them that it is what comes out of a man like evil
intentions that defiles a person not ritual purification. This sets the tone
for the distinction between the essentials and the non-essentials of our faith
otherwise known as “Tradition” with capital “T” and tradition with small
“t.”
Brief
Distinction between “Tradition” (Essentials) & “tradition” (Non-essentials
of Our Faith
We are told that Tradition
(big “T”) is irreformable, while tradition (small “t”) is changeable. Big “T”
tradition, also called Divine Tradition, is that Tradition which constitutes a
remote rule of faith for Catholics, next to and equal to the authority of the
scriptures themselves. This Tradition is intrinsic to the Deposit of Faith. But
small “t” traditions, on the other hand, are those traditions which are not
intrinsic to the Deposit of Faith, for example, liturgy and discipline. Hence
they are called “extrinsic” or “ecclesiastical” traditions.
