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November 21, 2025
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Ordinary Time

For a large part of the liturgical year, we devote ourselves to listening to the mystery of Christ in all its aspects unfolded as we seek God's truth and understanding.

Sunday Readings and Backgrounds

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Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I : Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

Hear the decrees which I am teaching you.

  • For the authors of Deuteronomy, Israel's tragic situation was the result of its infidelity and disobedience.
  • The solution to Israel's problem was conversion and obedience.
  • Israel's greatness lies not in its own strength but in God who remains faithful.

Reading II : James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

Welcome the word which has taken root in you.

  • The Letter of James encourages us to welcome the word that has been planted in us.
  • We are the first fruit of God's new creation and thus set apart for God.
  • The evidence of this new life is seen in how we deal with others.

Gospel : Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

This people pays me lip service.

  • The Pharisees in today's Gospel were especially concerned with food laws and purity laws because these were what distinguished Israel from the Gentile nations.
  • Jesus points out that some of the things many Pharisees cling to so tenaciously are human traditions and not the law of God.
  • The more serious matter is God's command to love one's neighbor.