Gospel

And here assembled together unto him the Pharisees and some of the scribes, coming from Jerusalem. And when they had seen some of his disciples eat bread with common, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews eat not without often washing their hands, holding the tradition of the ancients: And when they come from the market, unless they be washed, they eat not: and many other things there are that have been delivered to them to observe, the washings of cups and of pots, and of brazen vessels, and of beds.    And the Pharisees and scribes asked him: Why do not thy disciples walk according to the tradition of the ancients, but they eat bread with common hands? But he answering, said to them: Well did Isaias prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: These people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. And in vain do they worship me, teaching doctrines and precepts of men. For leaving the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, the washing of pots and of cups: and many other things you do like to these. And calling again the multitude unto him, he said to them: Hear ye me all, and understand.

There is nothing from without a man that entering into him, can defile him. But the things which come from a man, those are they that defile a man. From within out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within, and defile a man.                      Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15,21-23.

Reflection

What makes us unclean, unwashed hands or hearts full of resentments and hatred? It seems that this question has been asked to us many times. Whenever we examine our conscience we are being reminded to focus more on the purity of our intentions and actions. We will be judged by God not on what we put into our mouth but with what we do in order to let other people feel the love of God. Sometimes, there are tendencies that we focus more on the peripherals not on the core of our being. With this, we tend to be more hypocritical with our actions and we always wait for praises and acknowledgments. 

The Gospel reminds each of us to allow God to enter into our lives and let Him shape our hearts and minds.

Julie Leonard Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader