22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time [B]

 


22ND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [B]


We’ll open by recalling a 1963 episode of Andy Griffith, titled The Loaded Goat.  The storyline centers around a goat that’s known for gobbling up everything in its path. It wanders near a construction site and begins eating sticks of dynamite, thereby taking on a “loaded” status. Sheriff Taylor and Deputy Fife respond to the scene and they decide to handle the goat as if it’s an armed explosive, ready to ignite at any moment. The drama unfolds, along with the comedy, eventually bringing about a happy ending—no injuries or casualties. 


The goat represents one extreme, in that it will eat anything it comes across. Meanwhile, we encounter another extreme when we review this weekend’s Gospel selection. The Scribes and the Pharisees will only eat what has been classified as kosher.  They follow a heavily regulated diet, and they also commit to strict standards of purification. The tension mounts when they attempt to impose these external practices upon the apostles. Jesus intervenes, explaining that a true state of grace has more to do with YOUR HEART than with a regimen of pious observances (see Mark 7:1-23). St. James would add that they should be more concerned with digesting the Word of God than with their intake of prescribed kosher foods (James 1:21). 


In Deuteronomy chapter four, it’s all about setting an example. The Israelites are going to be scrutinized by those who belong to the neighboring populations. The hope is that the gentiles will be impressed, and potentially will want to learn more about this God of the Exodus. And what exactly will it be that impresses them so much? They’re not going to be looking at your diet or any of your pious externals. Rather, they want to know what kind of person you are. After all, you can ace the dietary prescriptions and still be a corrupt individual.


And that’s why we hear Jesus preaching about the subject of the human heart. Purity of heart matters more than purity of diet. However, the point is not to completely dismiss the notion of external practices. External practices do have their place. But it’s the interior region that ranks as the most critical priority. If by chance you are having doubts about your personal interior region, then it might be worth taking another glance at that passage from St. James. Spend quality time in the Sacred Word. Treat yourself to a happy ending. That Andy Griffith story closes with a happy ending. Literally create your own happy ending by making the Word an essential part of your regular diet. 

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