Tuesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time – Mark
7:1-13
In this Gospel reading, the Pharisees criticized Jesus and his
disciples because they ate their meals with unclean hands. It was a
custom for all Jews to carefully wash their hands and thus purify themselves
before eating. They also had many other purification rituals.
The Jews asked Jesus: “Why do your disciples not follow our
tradition? Why do they eat with unclean hands?” Jesus answers their
question by quoting a passage from the prophet, Isaiah: “This people honors me
with their lips, however their hearts are far from me.”
If Jesus stood before me I wonder if he would say those words to
me? It is easy to honor Jesus with our words. However, Jesus hopes
that we not only will honor him, but also love him and give ourselves to
him. For Jesus, empty rituals are not sufficient. Jesus wants each
and every one of us. He longs to have an intimate and loving relationship with
each of us.
What is the relationship you wish to have with Jesus? Is a
superficial relationship with Jesus all you want or do you desire a deeper and
more intimate relationship with Him? Jesus wants all of us: mind, body,
and soul! Jesus is always waiting for us to take another step toward
him. He patiently and lovingly waits for us! Today take one or more
steps toward Jesus. Jesus is waiting to
embrace you!
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