15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B

Question to Ponder is an invitation to prepare your hearts and minds for worship this coming Sunday. Read the scripture below by looking it up in your Bible or simply clicking the link. Reflect silently on the question, journal, or talk about the question with a friend. Come to worship on Sunday at 9 am ready to receive God’s Word.

Introduction to the Readings
Jesus protests against human customs being given the weight of divine law, while the essence of God’s law is ignored. True uncleanness comes not from external things, but from the intentions of the human heart. Last week Jesus told us “the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63). Now James says God has given us birth by the word of truth. We who were washed in the word when we were born in the font return to it every Sunday to ask God to create in us clean hearts.

Readings
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 God’s law: a sign of a great nation
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Authentic religion

Question to Ponder
If you were to write or rework a commandment for people today, what would it speak to? (Deut 4:1)*

Closing Prayer
O God our strength, without you we are weak and wayward creatures. Protect us from all dangers that attack us from the outside and cleanse us from all evil that arises from within ourselves, that we may be preserved through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.