Daily Word Of God
Mark 7:1-2, 5-8
The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered round Jesus, and they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with unclean hands, that is, without washing them. For the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, follow the tradition of the elders and never eat without washing their arms as far as the elbow. So the Pharisees and scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not respect the tradition of the elders but eat their food with unclean hands?’
He answered, ‘It was of you hypocrites that Isaiah so rightly prophesied in this passage of scripture: This people honours me only with lip-service, while their hearts are far from me. The worship they offer me is worthless; the doctrines they teach are only human regulations. You put aside the commandment of God to cling to human traditions.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- What is prayer and rituals without a faith that is shown in sincere actions? Our prayers and rituals are offered to God, and if we love God we are also called to love our neighbours.
- If we do not have any desires to love our neighbours, we should question whether we really love God or not. Worse still, our “empty faith” may be a counter witness to people and may drive them away from wanting to know Christ more.
- Jesus in today’s Gospel condemned the Pharisees and the Scribes for being Let us pray for a more committed faith.