HOMILY OF 5TH TUESDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: COMPARING OUR CUSTOMS TO THE LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD
BY: Fr. Ernest Cross
Genesis 1:20-2:4, Psalm 8:4-9, Mark 7:1-13
In today’s gospel reading, the phrase “the tradition of the elders” appears twice. The Pharisees criticize Jesus’ followers for not adhering to the custom of washing their hands before eating, which is a Jewish tradition.
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In one of his letters, Saint Paul also references this tradition of the elders: “I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my fathers,” he writes in his epistle to the Galatians.
However, Jesus believed that God’s word was more significant than religious traditions, no matter how old or revered they might be. He challenged his detractors for placing greater value on human customs than on the word of God, urging them to examine what is truly important and what is not.
We must continually discern what is significant and what is not within the context of our beliefs. Human customs and laws can sometimes acquire a significance that they do not truly possess within the church. In the gospel reading, Jesus encourages us to compare our customs to the light of God’s word, especially as revealed through Jesus in the gospels and other New Testament writings. By listening intently to the message of Jesus, the Word of the Lord, we can keep everything, including long-standing religious traditions, in its proper place.
God bless you.
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