As a young boy, I
remember my mother insisting we boys wash our hands before eating a meal. Mother
knows best. Right?
Today Jesus is challenging the Pharisees and scribes who are playing mother with the Law of Moses. And Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter.
“(In Jesus’ day) Hands
were washed NOT for reasons of hygiene or good manners but because the custom
had religious significance: it was a rite of purification… (In today’s Gospel) Jesus
restores the genuine meaning of these precepts of the Law, whose purpose is to
teach the right way to render homage to God (cf. Jn 4:24).”[1]
Judgement is what is
driving Jesus’ critics. He is calling out the impurity of their unclean hearts.
Hearts that are more focused on their own self-righteousness and self-justification,
than on honoring God with their rituals.
Jesus proves himself again as being the authentic interpreter of the Law. Much to the chagrin of the Pharisees and scribes, and their false piety and lip service to the Law.
Our actions should
always honor our relationship with God. Not just adhere to the judgment and
approval of others.
I leave you with this
question for reflection: What is lurking in our unclean hearts in need of Christ’s
attention?
Let us ask Jesus to
cleanse our hearts of these impurities.
[1] Saint Mark’s Gospel. (2005). (p. 87). Dublin; New York: Four Courts Press; Scepter Publishers.
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