Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Category: Religion and Philosophy
Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
http://www.usccb.org/nab/020706.shtml
Reflection:
I should probably mention what is unfolding In the Old Testament readings in addition to what is happening in the Gospel. In 1st Kings, Solomon has now built the temple, installed the Ark of the Covenant (containing the stone tablets) and has pretty much established the temple as the central point of worship for the entire Hebrew world. Along the way he has demonstrated reverence and humility that has garnered God's favor and given to him great wisdom as the gift of God.
At the same time, Jesus has encountered Pharisees who proceed to comment that Jesus disciples have not been strictly following Jewish religious custom by a ritual cleansing of the hands before meals. I use language here that is not spelled out in the Gospel when I say "ritual" cleansing. I am sure the Lord would not have taken offense at the Pharisees if they had simply commented that his disciples hadn't washed their hands. He would, however, get upset if they did not follow some trivial tradition that had little or nothing to do with true piety.
Pharisees were Jews who prided themselves on rigorously following a strict and complex set of Jewish traditions. These traditions had nothing to do with the heart of God's law and everything to do with elitism. "Ha ha, see what I know that you dont know", that kind of thing. In criticizing the disciples, these Pharisees were attempting to discredit Jesus as an authentic teacher/prophet in their sphere of influence and the Lord was having none of it. He clearly saw what they were trying to do and gave them better than He got.
What is the lesson for us in this story? I think there are two major lessons. First, let's not confuse going through the motions of some religious exercise with true spirituality. To give you an example, I once knew a self identified "Good Catholic" who, because he disagreed with Bishop Povish (former Bishop of Lansing), on a point of liturgical tradition (as I remember it was ringing the small bells at the consecration of the Eucharist), prayed daily for the Bishop's death. Talk about missing the point! When we put more stock in performing some act than acting on the spirit we have missed the message.
I do need to make one thing clear, that does not mean that we are excused from the requirements of our faith (i.e. weekly Mass attendance, Reconciliation as called for). It means that what we do in celebration of our faith should validate our actions outside of those religious ceremonies.
The second message is related to the first, that is when we are involved to the celebration of our faith, in Mass or other devotional activity, our minds need to be on the spirit of our faith not merely our actions. Our outward actions should reflect our inner spirituality. Pax
Category: Religion and Philosophy
Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
http://www.usccb.org/nab/020706.shtml
Reflection:
I should probably mention what is unfolding In the Old Testament readings in addition to what is happening in the Gospel. In 1st Kings, Solomon has now built the temple, installed the Ark of the Covenant (containing the stone tablets) and has pretty much established the temple as the central point of worship for the entire Hebrew world. Along the way he has demonstrated reverence and humility that has garnered God's favor and given to him great wisdom as the gift of God.
At the same time, Jesus has encountered Pharisees who proceed to comment that Jesus disciples have not been strictly following Jewish religious custom by a ritual cleansing of the hands before meals. I use language here that is not spelled out in the Gospel when I say "ritual" cleansing. I am sure the Lord would not have taken offense at the Pharisees if they had simply commented that his disciples hadn't washed their hands. He would, however, get upset if they did not follow some trivial tradition that had little or nothing to do with true piety.
Pharisees were Jews who prided themselves on rigorously following a strict and complex set of Jewish traditions. These traditions had nothing to do with the heart of God's law and everything to do with elitism. "Ha ha, see what I know that you dont know", that kind of thing. In criticizing the disciples, these Pharisees were attempting to discredit Jesus as an authentic teacher/prophet in their sphere of influence and the Lord was having none of it. He clearly saw what they were trying to do and gave them better than He got.
What is the lesson for us in this story? I think there are two major lessons. First, let's not confuse going through the motions of some religious exercise with true spirituality. To give you an example, I once knew a self identified "Good Catholic" who, because he disagreed with Bishop Povish (former Bishop of Lansing), on a point of liturgical tradition (as I remember it was ringing the small bells at the consecration of the Eucharist), prayed daily for the Bishop's death. Talk about missing the point! When we put more stock in performing some act than acting on the spirit we have missed the message.
I do need to make one thing clear, that does not mean that we are excused from the requirements of our faith (i.e. weekly Mass attendance, Reconciliation as called for). It means that what we do in celebration of our faith should validate our actions outside of those religious ceremonies.
The second message is related to the first, that is when we are involved to the celebration of our faith, in Mass or other devotional activity, our minds need to be on the spirit of our faith not merely our actions. Our outward actions should reflect our inner spirituality. Pax
posted by Deacon Jim | 1:27 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home