INTRODUCTION - 22nd Sunday of Year B - The Word This Week (2024)

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

Moses’ Exhortation to Obey God’s Law

I. Introduction

• Moses emphasizes the Israelites’ obedience to God’s law.* The law serves as wisdom and understanding for the nations.

II. Adherence to God’s Law Israelites should diligently observe God’s commandments, statutes, and decrees.

• This adherence ensures their well-being and prosperity in the Promised Land.

III. Passing Down Wisdom

• God’s law must be passed down to future generations.
• Children and grandchildren should learn from their elders to maintain devotion to God.

IV. Conclusion

• God’s law is a source of righteousness for the Israelites.
• By observing the law, they demonstrate their commitment to God and their faith.

Living the Word of Truth

I. The Father of Lights (Jas 1:17-18)

• God is the source of all good gifts. His gifts, including the Word of Truth, are perfect and unchanging.

II. Accepting and Living the Word (Jas 1:21b-22)

• Embrace the Word of Truth with humility. Put the Word into practice, avoiding mere lip service.

III. Religion that Pleases God (Jas 1:27) Pure and faultless religion involves caring for the vulnerable. Maintain integrity and avoid worldly corruption in faith and actions.

IV. Conclusion

• The Word of Truth must be received with humility and lived out in daily life.
• Genuine faith is demonstrated through concern for those in need and uncorrupted religious practic

Inner Purity over External Practices

I. Introduction (Mk 7:1-8)

1. Pharisees question Jesus about the lack of handwashing among his disciples.
2. Jesus addresses their concern by highlighting the difference between external practices and inner purity.

II. True Defilement (Mk 7:14-15)

1. Jesus explains that defilement comes from within, not external practices.
2. Inner thoughts and intentions determine moral and spiritual purity.

III. List of Vices (Mk 7:21-23)

1. Evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, and other vices stem from within.
2. These vices contaminate a person’s heart and actions.

IV. Conclusion

1. Prioritize inner purity and the transformation of the heart.
2. External practices are secondary to cultivating genuine moral and spiritual growth.

κρατέω (krateō)

The Greek verb κρατέω (krateō) comes from the root word κράτος (kratos), which means “strength” or “power.” The verb itself means “to have strength,” “to prevail,” or “to be master of.”

Definition:

κρατέω (krateō) can be defined as “to take hold of,” “to seize,” or “to retain.” It can be used in both physical and figurative contexts. The word often denotes the idea of holding onto something or someone tightly, with determination and strength.

Key Occurrences in the New Testament:

• Matthew 9:25 – When Jesus took the girl’s hand and raised her up.
• Matthew 12:11 – When Jesus asks whether it is lawful to do good or to harm on the Sabbath.
• Mark 1:31 – When Jesus took Peter’s mother-in-law by the hand and healed her.
• Mark 5:41 – When Jesus took the hand of Jairus’ daughter and raised her up.
• Mark 9:27 – When Jesus took the boy with the unclean spirit by the hand and healed him.
• Luke 8:54 – When Jesus took the hand of Jairus’ daughter and raised her up.

Theological Significance:

For Catholics, κρατέω (krateō) can symbolize the importance of holding onto faith and grasping the teachings of Jesus. This word reminds Catholics to embrace the Word of God with strength and determination, incorporating its teachings into their daily lives. Additionally, the usage of κρατέω in healing stories signifies the power and authority of Jesus over illness and death, emphasizing his role as the Son of God and Savior.

ἡ τῶν ἀνθρώπων (hē tōn anthrōpōn)

The phrase ἡ τῶν ἀνθρώπων (hē tōn anthrōpōn) consists of three components:

• The genitive plural form of the noun ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), meaning “human” or “man.”
• The definite article ἡ (hē), meaning “the.”
• The genitive plural form τῶν (tōn), indicating possession or association with a group.

Definition:

The phrase ἡ τῶν ἀνθρώπων can be translated as “the [tradition/commandment] of men” or “human tradition/commandment.” It refers to customs, practices, or rules established by human authority rather than divine authority.

Key Occurrences in the New Testament:

• Matthew 15:9 – Jesus quotes Isaiah, saying, “In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
• Mark 7:8 – Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and scribes for abandoning the commandments of God in favor of human traditions.
• Colossians 2:22 – Paul warns against being subjected to human commands and teachings that may not be rooted in Christ.

Theological Significance:

For Catholics, ἡ τῶν ἀνθρώπων serves as a reminder of the importance of distinguishing between divine and human authority. While human traditions and customs play a role in Catholic practice and culture, the Church teaches that these must always be secondary to divine commandments and the teachings of Christ. Catholics must ensure that their faith and actions align with God’s will rather than focusing solely on human-made rules and traditions.

In the New Testament, Jesus acknowledges that the scribes and Pharisees occupy the Seat of Moses (Matthew 23:2), which implies that they hold authority in teaching the Mosaic Law. However, Jesus also criticizes them for focusing on human traditions and neglecting the commandments of God (Matthew 15:3, Mark 7:8).

For Catholics, this concept emphasizes the need to adhere to the Church’s teachings while ensuring that they align with divine revelation. The Seat of Moses serves as a reminder that religious leaders should guide the faithful by upholding God’s Word and fostering a deeper understanding of divine truth.

ἐντολὴν (entolēn)

The Greek noun ἐντολὴ (entolē) is derived from the verb ἐντέλλω (entellō), which means “to command” or “to give orders.” It is formed by combining the preposition ἐν (en), meaning “in” or “on,” and the verb τέλλω (tellō), meaning “to accomplish.”

Definition:

ἐντολὴ (entolē) is usually translated as “commandment,” “order,” or “injunction.” It refers to an authoritative instruction or a directive given to someone, often in the context of moral, ethical, or religious obligations.

Key Occurrences in the New Testament:

• Matthew 5:19 – Jesus says, “Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.”
• Matthew 15:3 – Jesus asks, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?”
• Mark 10:19 – Jesus reiterates some of the Ten Commandments, “Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.”
• Luke 23:56 – The women who prepared spices and perfumes for Jesus’ body “rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.”
• John 13:34 – Jesus gives a new commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Theological Significance:

For Catholics, the concept of ἐντολὴ (entolē) is integral to understanding the importance of obeying God’s commandments and Christ’s teachings. It emphasizes the need to follow moral and ethical guidelines, including the Ten Commandments and the Greatest Commandment (loving God and loving one’s neighbor). Catholics view adhering to ἐντολὴ as essential to living a life that is pleasing to God and cultivating a deeper relationship with Christ.