By Akhsi Wary csc.
Readings: 1Kgs 8: 22-23, 27-30; Mk 7: 1-13
‘This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me’.
The gospel reading of the day presents the clash between traditions and the truth. We see the Pharisees prioritize external rituals and customs, such as handwashing and observing laws. Jesus, however, today shifts the focus from outward appearances to the internal that is more of the heart. He not only points out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees but also exposes the destructive consequences of prioritizing tradition over divine law.
He highlighted that how their human-made traditions and practices, can sideline God’s commandments and creates barriers among people and with God. This reading today compels us to examine our own spiritual practices. Do we, like the Pharisees, prioritize ritual above our relationship with God and others? Do we faithfully follow rules while neglecting the wellbeing of our own fellow being?
Jesus reminds us that true religiosity resides not only in the faithfully observance of external laws and formalities, but in the inner devotion of the heart and service to the needy. It’s about a genuine connection with God and a sincere desire to represent his love in our words and actions. So, today Jesus invites and encourages us to engage in thoughtful introspection and discern the traditions and laws that nourish our faith and wellbeing of others as well.