07
Feb
Feb
Reflection: Mark 7:1-13
Today’s gospel discusses about the value of the “tradition of the elders” and Jesus cautions his listeners that these traditions must never take precedence over the commandment of God. Pope Francis explains this passage and says, “today Jesus wants to caution us too, against the belief that outward observance of the commandments is enough to make us good Christians. The religious leadership of the time – the Pharisees and scribes observed these norms in an extremely scrupulous manner and presented them as the expression of authentic religiosity. Therefore, they rebuked Jesus and his disciples for transgressing them, specifically the norms regarding the external purification of the body (v. 5). It is hypocritical to consider ourselves acceptable or better than others simply for observing the rules and customs, but fail to love our neighbour, we are hard of heart, we are arrogant and proud. Literal observance of the precepts is a fruitless exercise unless we return to the Word of God in prayer, seeking justice and peace and taking care of the poor. We come across people in our communities and our parishes, who say they are deeply Catholic and often go to Church, but then neglect their families, speak badly of others and use uncharitable ways to add on to their profits. This is what Jesus condemns because this is a counter-witness to Christianity. Pharisaic hypocrisy has survived through the centuries and is evident even in our lives today. In our attempts to project ourselves as better Christians than others, we belittle the lives of our brothers and sisters. Jesus accused the Pharisees and scribes of abandoning God’s word by substituting their own arguments and interpretations. The Law of Moses was turned into a burden for the ordinary believer. Similar things happen in the Church today: how often do we use the Word of God to frighten people? Many sermons today frighten the listeners of the impending punishments of God. We don’t believe in a punishing God, but in a forgiving and merciful God. And His mercy does not depend on any conditions. God in his mercy freely offers us pardon, healing, and grace for overcoming sin and evil in our lives. John the evangelist in his first letter beautifully explains the forgiveness of God: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9). Let us ask the Lord to cleanse us with the purifying fire of his Holy Spirit. “Lord, let me dwell in your presence and fill me with the knowledge of your truth and goodness. Instruct my heart that I may walk in your way of love and holiness.”