A Short Sermon for September 2, 2012 / Homily by Lawrence M. Ventline, D.Min., Based on Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8 James 1: 17-18, 21b-22, 27 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
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Take only one cookie.
Leave it the way you found it.
Flush.
Do your homework.
Bless the food and family before eating.
Speak your truth in love. And, make sure it's God's version, not my own.
Miss Manners would be pleased with the reminders in today's Good News: Wash your hands before eating. Wouldn't she?
Imagine that causing conflict among people in the ancient biblical world.
Jesus calls into question the scrupulous tradition about washing before eating, however.
"Listen to me, all of you and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile."
The Bard of Avon knows that. There is "nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
And, the twelfth century Francis of Asisi, Italy noted that one should preach with his or her life and use words only when necessary.
Not bad advice!
Walk the talk then, today.
Labor Day reminds us also of the importance of the fruit of our work and the virtues and strengths that make us congruent, that is, living on the outside what we already know deep inside the recesses of our heart and mind.
Fair wages with an honest day's work coupled with the virtues of justice, prudence, fortitude and temperance amid faith, hope and charity.
There is something about the oneness and union of what we think and what we do in communion and solidarity with those we live with, the neighborhood, and the world for that matter.
are these weekly submissions pastor?
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