Word to the Wise
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - 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 person, from their 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]
Jesus' attitude toward the Mosaic Law gained him enemies among those who were strict about the observance of that law in all its precepts. Two of the observances, in particular, are featured in the Gospel According to Mark: the sabbath and dietary conduct. Jesus healed on the sabbath and did not require his disciples to observe washing of hands or other behavior connected with eating. The scribes and Pharisees referred to these and other observances as the "traditions of the elders." As we saw in yesterday's gospel passage, those "traditions" could be manipulated to accomplish unjust results, e.g. failure to support one's parents in old age.
Those of us who remember the Broadway musical, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF may recall the song, TRADITION!!!. "Traditions" can shape identity to such an extent that any behavior that seems at odds with them is met with challenge and even hostility. We have our own as Catholics and they can differ according to cultures and nationalities! An important distinction can be made between tradition with a capital "T" and tradition with a small "t." Tradition with a capital "T" would refer to such things as the scriptures or Creed or other truths handed down to us from apostolic times and early Church Fathers. These are essential and unchangeable. Tradition with a small "t" refers to the various forms of liturgical etiquette and behavior that are characteristic of Catholic life and can change by custom or Church law.
In today's gospel, Jesus points to the importance of interior integrity that should guide observance. Why we do something can be more important than what we do. It is true that "good intentions" are not the only thing, but behavior finds its roots in them. What "traditions" do we follow that are part of our faith? AMEN