In the Gospel today, Jesus confronts a group of Pharisees who are obsessed with the "tradition of the elders." They have created a...
In the Gospel today, Jesus confronts a group of Pharisees who are obsessed with the "tradition of the elders." They have created a complex system of rules—washing cups, jugs, and kettles—but their hearts are far from God. They use human "Duty" as an excuse to ignore Divine Love. Jesus calls them out for choosing human traditions over the commandment of God.
Contrast this with the first reading, where Solomon stands before the altar with hands spread toward heaven. His prayer is one of pure Devotion. He asks a vital question: "Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth?" He realizes that no building can contain God, yet he begs God to listen to the prayers offered in that place. Solomon understood that the outward sign (the Temple) only matters if the inward heart is turned toward the Lord.
Today we honor Saint Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict. There is a famous story about their last meeting. They spent the day in spiritual conversation, and when evening came, Benedict wanted to leave to return to his monastery, as his Rule required. Scholastica, sensing her end was near, asked him to stay. When he refused out of a sense of rigid "Duty," she bowed her head in prayer. Immediately, a violent thunderstorm broke out, preventing Benedict from leaving.
When Benedict complained, she simply said, "I asked you, and you would not listen; so I asked my God, and He did listen." Scholastica had the Discernment to know that the law of love is higher than the law of the Rule. She didn't wash the "outside of the cup"; she poured out the love inside her heart.
May we learn from St. Scholastica that our religious practices—our "duties"—are only pleasing to God when they are fueled by a heart of love. Let us ask for the grace to not just follow rules, but to seek the Face of the One the rules are meant to point us toward.
No comments