By Joseph Inbaraj csc –
Readings: Deut 4: 1-2, 6-8; Jas 1: 17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mk 7: 1-8,
14-15,21-23
In the first reading, Moses tells us to observe the commandments given by God. In the second reading, James emphasizes on justice to find favor in the sight of God. In the gospel, Jesus clarifies that relationship is more important than the rules and regulations of society.
Jesus distinguishes between the relationship and cultic rituals. In Jesus’ view, religion and ethics are centered around the common fatherhood of God. The consequent equality and the loving treatment of all human beings is to live a good life and get closer to God.
To be in close relationship with God, we should not complicate theories or strange practices. Instead, we need sincerity, the desire to grow, and the generosity to share gifts with others. Our purpose and meaning of life lie in living as God wants, and as showed by Jesus.
If I do not work hard to bring up a flower garden, I must not throw waste everywhere and spoil the environment. Similarly, if I do not spend my gifts and talents to nurture love and relationship, I should at least refrain from doing harm by any kind of gossip, violence, injustice, and so on. In today’s liturgy, let us pray that we become better people to build communities of love and spend our energies to create more and more of a loving world rather than focusing on ritualistic practices.