Dt 4.1-2, 6-8; Jm 1.17-18, 21-22, 27; Mk 7.1-8, 14-15, 21-23

• In today’s Second Reading, St. James says that being faithful to religion, pure and undefiled, means caring for the weak and keeping oneself unstained by the world. Indeed James teaches that the most repulsive act is to fail to put the words of the Gospel into practice.

• This Sunday’s Gospel offers us encouragement to keep our faith alive and active. Moses said that the Lord God was close to the Hebrews. But God is closer to us: He dwells in our hearts! Moses said that the other nations should look at Israel and see a wise and intelligent people. How much more should other people look at us and say “Those Catholics are so loving and so alive. I want what they have!”

• What would happen if we decided today to live undefiled lives and become saints? We would change the world. The Gospel of Life is better preached by witness than by words.

Pro-Life Intercession

For all teachers and school administrators, that the wisdom of the Holy Spirit may guide their important work in promoting life, we pray to the Lord ...