Daily Readings - Tue Feb 11 2025
Mark
1And the Pharisees and some of the scribes, arriving from Jerusalem, gathered together before him2And when they had seen certain ones from his disciples eating bread with common hands, that is, with unwashed hands, they disparaged them3For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat without repeatedly washing their hands, holding to the tradition of the elders4And when returning from the market, unless they wash, they do not eat. And there are many other things which have been handed down to them to observe: the washings of cups, and pitchers, and bronze containers, and beds5And so the Pharisees and the scribes questioned him: "Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but they eat bread with common hands?6But in response, he said to them: "So well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, just as it has been written: ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me7And in vain do they worship me, teaching the doctrines and precepts of men.8For abandoning the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men, to the washing of pitchers and cups. And you do many other things similar to these.9And he said to them: "You effectively nullify the precept of God, so that you may observe your own tradition10For Moses said: ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever will have cursed father or mother, let him die a death.11But you say, ‘If a man will have said to his father or mother: Korban, (which is a gift) whatever is from me will be to your benefit,12then you do not release him to do anything for his father or mother13rescinding the word of God through your tradition, which you have handed down. And you do many other similar things in this way.
Sermon
In today's Gospel, we encounter a poignant moment where Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes about their rigid adherence to traditions, particularly the ritual washing of hands before eating. The Pharisees criticized Jesus' disciples for not following these customs, prompting Jesus to challenge their hypocrisy. He quotes Isaiah, emphasizing that their worship is empty because they prioritize human doctrines over God's commandments. Jesus illustrates this with the example of the Korban rule, where people use religious dedications to avoid supporting their parents, thus neglecting the commandment to honor them.
This passage highlights the tension between outward rituals and inward purity. The Pharisees were so focused on traditions that they lost sight of God's true commandments. Jesus teaches that true faith is not about external observances but about the condition of the heart. This lesson remains relevant today, reminding us to examine our own practices and ensure they align with genuine love and care for others.
In our daily lives, we might find ourselves prioritizing rules or traditions over acts of love. For instance, someone might be so dedicated to church rituals that they neglect helping a neighbor in need. Jesus calls us to a deeper faith, one that values love and compassion above all else. Let us reflect on our actions, ensuring they stem from a pure heart and a commitment to God's will, rather than mere adherence to human-made rules.