30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Today's episode takes up after Jesus has confounded the Sadducees regarding their disbelief in the resurrection of the dead. Jesus now deals with the Pharisees, who had a belief in the resurrection, on account of their fixation on the law. When we think of Law we need to see it as a whole cultural, scriptural and theological system which developed over time through the teaching of rabbis. Thus, we can understand that Judaism, in the time of Jesus, was not all the same. The major thing that Jews had in common was the Temple. There is a challenge to the Catholic Church in 2023 that we do not end up in a fragmented and sometimes antagonistic situation. The key is to listen to Pope Francis and his predecessors, especially in their interpretation of the Second Vatican Council. In this way, we can express a legitimate diversity while holding onto those things that are essential. Jesus' interpretation and summation of the law today speaks to the heart of our Faith which is love. God takes priority which we are called to love others and we would love ourselves. Let us keep this in mind as we embark on a new era of synodality where we are called to walk together, in faith, in a rapidly changing world.