Word to the Wise
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 - Wednesday in the 5th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Kgs 10:1-10 and Mark 7:14-23]"Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile....From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile." [Mark]
These words of Jesus follow his blistering criticism of the scribes and Pharisees whose manipulations of the Mosaic Law cloaked private interior evils. It is clear from the Gospel According to Mark that Jesus took a far more lenient view of the physical observances than the religious authorities did, and it created animosity on their behalf. The large crowds attracted to Jesus created envy on their part, as well.
There is also another dimension. By the time the Gospel According to Mark was put into writing, gentiles were being attracted to Christianity. The question of the role of the Mosaic Law in their regard was beginning to take on importance. [Cf. the Gospel According to Matthew!] Today's gospel passage is followed tomorrow (Thurs.) by the healing of the daughter of a non-Jewish woman who comes to Jesus in faith. The question of requiring observance of the Mosaic Law for non-Jewish converts would later come to a head in the ministry of St. Paul and the Council of Jerusalem. (Acts 15). Jesus' attitude, as recorded by Mark, shows a more welcoming approach, even if he challenges the lady in that encounter.
Faith takes time to grow and develop. When we welcome others into our Catholic tradition, we rightly expect a certain level of belief (the NIcene Creed). The various "observances" take time to learn and interiorize. A legalistic and judgmental attitude toward those who are not "cradle Catholics" can drive away sincere faith that needs time to take root and grow. God's love and mercy should be foremost in our welcome, not meticulous observance. AMEN