BLESSED ARE THE PURE OF HEART FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD?

SERMON FOR THE 22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE CHURCH'S LITURGICAL YEAR B (1/9/2024). Video created by Catholic Teachings Platform. Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-8 Theme: "Observe these laws and customs, that you may have life" Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in the first reading of today, Moses' Instructions to Israel: Moses instructs the people of Israel to strictly adhere to the laws and customs he sets forth, emphasizing that obedience will bring life and enable them to possess the land promised by God. He insists that they neither add to nor subtract from his commands, to showcase their wisdom and understanding to other nations. Moses highlights the proximity of God to the Israelites as unique among nations, as well as their comprehensive and superior law system, which is a testament to their special relationship with God. In the second reading, Sr. James, in his letter on the Nature of True Gift and Religion: He describes the perfection of every good gift that comes from God, the unchanging Father of lights. It emphasizes the spiritual rebirth of believers through God’s will, communicated through the truth of His word, making them the first fruits of His creation. The passage also urges believers to actively follow the word that can save their souls, rather than just listening to it. True religion, pleasing to God, is characterized by helping those in need, like orphans and widows, and keeping oneself from being corrupted by worldly influences. While from the Gospel according to St. Mark, Jesus' Teaching on Purity: The Pharisees and scribes question Jesus about His disciples not following the traditional ritual washing before eating. Jesus responds by criticizing the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and adherence to human traditions over God’s commandments. He teaches that external things do not defile a person; rather, it is the evil intentions and actions that emerge from a person’s heart that render them unclean. This teaching shifts the focus from ritual purity to moral and spiritual integrity. #BlessedAreThePure, #PureInHeart, #TheyShallSeeGod, #Beatitudes, #SpiritualPurity, #HeartPurity, #SeeGod, #ChristianBlessings, #HolyLiving, #SpiritualInsight, #DivineVision, #HeartCleansing, #GodsPresence, #BeatitudeBlessings, #ChristTeachings, #WalkInHoliness, #InnerPurity, #FaithAndHoliness, #GodlyVision, #PurityOfHeart, Song Title: Your Words Are Spirit and Life Artist(s): Music by Bernadette Farrell, Arranged by Craig Kingsbury Publisher: © 1993, 2003, Bernadette Farrell. Published by OCP. Sung by: Sunday 7pm Choir at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Ajax, ON Canada. YOUTUBE VIDEO LINK:    • Your Words Are Spirit and Life | Bernadett...   #americanchurch #americancatholics #englishchristian #englishchurch #nigerianchurch #nigeriancatholics #englishcatholics #sundaysermons #dailysermon #christianmotivation #europeancatholics #africancatholics #catholichomilyreflectionfortoday #spirituality #catholicsermons #catholicsermons #inspirational #motivational #catholichomily #nigerianchurch #americancatholics #britishcatholics #viral #youtubeviral #homily #catholichomily #catholicsermons