The state of our hearts
The Pharisees we meet in today’s Gospel keep a strict adherence to the customs and rules of Jewish tradition. Perhaps for them, it is a way of resisting a world where Roman customs are becoming more and more common. However, this staunch approach to the ‘rules’ means there is conflict between them and the Rabbi who has a different way of teaching, and a different way of doing things.
When the Pharisees see the Disciples eating without washing their hands in the ceremonial way, they have something to say about it. Jesus soon comes to the defence of his followers.
In His teaching, it isn't adherence to laws that makes us clean, but rather the state of our hearts.
Today’s Gospel reading is a wakeup call for all the times when we act like the Pharisees.
Are we tolerant of others or are we judgmental?
What are the things we focus on at the expense of what truly matters?
Today, we search for authenticity in a landscape of fake news and gossip. There’s a sense that this need for solid goodness amongst so much digital dirt is bringing newcomers to the door of the Church, and that is exactly the right place for them. We must make sure, as Catholics, that we don’t add to the noise of untruth. In the age of social media and AI, the need to be honest and behave with integrity is more important than ever. We must make sure we are clean in our hearts, and the rest will follow.
How can we get help with this? The addictive nature of the digital world is a difficult pull to resist. We must, amongst all the noise, spend quiet time with God and ask Him for help. When we do participate in social media, we must use it as a means to be a beacon of Christ’s light in a dark space. We don’t have to preach necessarily, but we do have to stay true to our values.
Lord, you are so strong in your stance against inauthentic displays of piety, and the nonsense that comes from an unclean heart. I ask that you help me do your will and grant me the strength to follow the values of your teaching, so that what flows from me is filtered through prayer and communion with the Spirit. Help me be a true Christian in my thoughts and words and deeds.
(Also, help us to remember to wash our hands regularly, as that is good hygiene!)
Amen.
Today's Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-8 Psalm 14 James 1:17-18, 21-22,27 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
photo credit: PheelingsMedia, Adobe Stock
Source: Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
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