Daily Readings - Tue Feb 11 2025
Mark
1The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and2saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed.3(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders.4When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles. )5So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?"6He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.7They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'8You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."9And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!10For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.'11But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God),12then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother.13Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."
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.