Mt 15:1-12 Breaking With The Past“Some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus and said, ‘Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands when they eat a meal.’”
The Jews washed their hands not for sanitary reasons but for spiritual purposes. It represented the transition from secular to spiritual works. For this reason, they complained.
A common complaint, coming from ex-Catholics, is that they stopped going to Church because they were disgusted at how others would go to Church on Sunday and then sin on Monday. Of course these people are being very judgmental, but there is some truth to their statement. We all have a tendency to not sin during Mass, but then to sin before and after Mass. So, rather than not go to Church at all, we should encourage people to go to Church more often!
Jesus broke with the ceremonial washing to make a point. What is more important, to look good or to be good; to look clean or to be clean? Of course the answer is both! But for pedagogical purposes, we have to start at the beginning and bring to light our faults. Most people, above the age of 15, do not have a problem with grooming. We take very good care of our appearances, but not enough care of the hidden machinery, our interior, our soul, conscience, intentions, thoughts and ideas.
A person can easily have two personalities: one when alone, the other when with others.
That’s not good. That’s not good at all.
The Lord is an expert at binding and not losing. He will bring the two together. What is done in the dark always comes out in the light, for good or for evil. Of course, He wills the good while he works out the evil.
Do you still remember your New Year’s resolutions? Do you still remember your Lenten resolutions? Hopefully, they are worth remembering.
No matter what, take some time today and everyday to separate yourself from this world, your work, your family, your spouse, your desires and needs. Take some time to wash your hands and place yourself in God’s presence. Do whatever it takes to place yourself in God’s presence. It doesn’t have to start with the washing of your hands, but that will do just fine. Do some of the following:
1. Take time to pray every morning and every evening.
2. Go to confession at least once a month.
3. Attend Mass every Sunday and as often as possible during the week.
4. Invite a friend to Church, to Mass.
5. Talk to a friend about our faith, Christ and His Church.
6. Pray for your enemies. Do something that is distinctly Christian and Catholic.
7. Light a candle for the ill or deceased.
8. Do something good, holy and right. Say “yes” when you feel like saying “no.”
Merge yourself. Make yourself whole once again. Bring the two of you back together and form an alliance with the Lord. Look good and be good. Know the Lord, love the Lord and serve the Lord. Break with your past and connect your fate with your free will. Bring some romance back into your life! Go back to where romance gets its name: Holy Rome!
