God Knows Our Hearts

Tuesday of week 5 in Ordinary Time 

Genesis 1:20-2:4
Psalm 8:4-9
Mark 7:1-13

The current gospel passage engages with the Jewish ritual of hand-washing and the purification of vessels, rooted initially in a profound reverence for the Divine. However, by the time of Jesus, this practice had largely devolved into a mere formality devoid of its original significance. The Pharisees, in their adherence to this tradition, perpetuated a system that had become burdensome and hollow.

The key takeaway from today’s Gospel is the emphasis on the transformative potential of rituals when they are anchored in the genuine love of God, particularly for those of us navigating spiritual desolation who seek grace and renewal.

Origin of the Dispute

The contention arose when the Pharisees criticized some of Jesus’ disciples for consuming food without first performing the customary hand-washing. The Greek term used—literally translating to “eaten bread”—contextually connects this dispute to the notable miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (Mark 6:35-44). The Pharisees expressed outrage, even though the gathering crowd had no opportunity to adhere to the sanitary ritual. This pointed to their fixation on ritualistic adherence rather than the underlying grace of the event.

Jesus’ Response

In addressing the Pharisees, Jesus accused them of hypocrisy—characterizing them as “stage actors” whose superficial displays of piety masked their spiritual emptiness. It is important to note that Jesus did not dismiss tradition outright; rather, He criticized the human constructs and performative nature of their adherence to these traditions.

The Risk of Ritualism

The contemporary challenge mirrors that of the Pharisees: we may also inadvertently transform significant traditions and practices into mere legalistic rituals laden with burdensome expectations. This could apply to various observances, such as the Friday abstention or our participation in the Eucharist. We must consider: are we merely consuming bread and wine during the Mass, or are we engaging in a transformative encounter with the body and blood of Christ? Are we truly acknowledging God’s presence among us, or are we merely going through the motions for the sake of appearances?

Alignment of Deeds and Words

Pope Paul VI articulated that moral authority is inhered in actions matched by words. Pastors and leaders must ensure that their lived experiences align with their teachings; when there is dissonance, the authenticity of their message can be compromised. This underscores the essential principle: one must practice what one preaches.

Divine Insight into Conscience

God possesses an all-seeing awareness of our thoughts and intentions, directly engaging with our consciences to lead us toward the fullness of joy found in Him. Regular examination of conscience serves as a vital exercise in moral formation, offering a disciplined approach to surrendering our lives to God’s providence.

The Fruits of Conscience Formation

Through deliberate conscience formation, ample provisions are granted for spiritual sustenance. The atonement provides peace to our hearts, the Gospel enriches our understanding, and the person of Jesus becomes the ultimate object of our devotion. In this context, Jesus is the antidote to the profound thirst of our souls, with the promise of restoration even to the most parched spirit.

Therefore, Let us approach God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” – Hebrews 10:22

Remember – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” – Mark 16:16

Fr Joseph Osho