Thoughts for the Day

Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 'Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands before they eat?'....

Then Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, 'Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth that defiles.'....

Peter said to him, 'Explain this parable to us.' Then he said, 'Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.'

(New Revised Standard Bible)

Thoughts

Jesus often disputes the Law of Moses with the Pharisees and scribes, but in these words from St Matthew's gospel he is arguing aboout tradition. The disciples they say, do not wash their hands before they eat. This is not about anything to do with hygiene, but the fact that they are breaking the extensive rituals associated with washing before meals. The Jewish Rabbi Jose once said: "He sinneth as much who eateth with unwashen hands, as he that lieth with a harlot." For many Jews the traditions of the elders were considered even more important than the Law of Moses.

Jesus is really entering dangerous territory here, but he is keen to make the point that what 'defiles' a man or woman is what comes from their heart. As a society today we are all concerned about washing our hands because of Covid-19, but we need to be just as concerned about what comes from our hearts. We need to grow the gifts of love, kindness, sympathy, and generosity within us, and offer these to others around us.

Sunday 16th August, follow up thoughts

Lord Jesus,
You taught us that many sins
have their beginning within us.
Help us to cultivate the seeds
of love for those around us
to put others before ourselves,
and to be generous to those
who need our help.
Amen.