Daily Readings - Tue Feb 11 2025
Mark
1Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem,2they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed.3(For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands, holding to the tradition of the elders,4and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches. )5And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?"6And he said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, "'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;7in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'8You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men."9And he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!10For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.'11But you say, 'If a man tells his father or his mother, Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban' (that is, given to God)--12then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother,13thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do."
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.