1 Kings 8:22-23,27-30
Psalm 83(84):3-5,10-11
Mark 7:1-13
DO NOT TWIST THE TRUTH
Today’s Gospel reminds us that rituals and liturgy only transform us when rooted in God’s love, especially when we are in the wilderness and need His cleansing grace. The gospel discusses Jewish hand-washing and purification rituals, meant to show reverence for God. By Jesus’ time, these traditions had become empty and oppressive, with Pharisees scolding Jesus’ disciples for eating with unclean hands—a dispute linked to Jesus feeding the 5,000 (Mk 6:35-44).
The Pharisees were upset, even though the crowd had no chance to wash their hands. Jesus called them hypocrites, stage actors hiding their empty hearts behind outward piety. He wasn’t rejecting tradition but condemning their hypocrisy. Like the Pharisees, we may turn meaningful traditions into legalistic rituals. Whether it’s hand-washing, Friday abstention, or Eucharist—are we truly transformed or just going through the motions? Do we recognize God’s presence in Mass or just perform for show? Pope Paul VI said, ‘A man teaches with moral authority only that which he does and practices,’ meaning we must practice what we preach. God sees us and speaks to our conscience, leading us to share in His joy. Regular examination of conscience helps us stay disciplined and aligned with God. God provides everything we need to quench our souls’ thirst. Atonement brings peace to conscience; the gospel instructs; Jesus is the noblest object of affection; and in Him, we find true nourishment. Jesus can restore even the famished soul. Let us approach God with sincere hearts, purified from guilt, and bodies washed with water. Belief and baptism lead to salvation (Mk 16:16).
Fr Joseph Osho
