Presume God

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
Readings: 1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30; PS 84:3, 4, 5 and 10, 11; Mk 7:1-13

Notes

The difference is in the perspective and intention. Solomon realizes the temple cannot possibly hold the Lord who made heaven and earth. There must be a deeper meaning and purpose. A meeting place. A place the Lord deigns to meet us in a way and location that we can more fully sense his person and his love. The people of Israel built the temple with great care and at great cost. In all that effort the purpose is to grow closer to the Lord. You can sense the sincerity and awe in Solomon’s prayer.

Still later, the leadership do not see the temple as a meeting place for divine-human love. It has become instead a monument to human tradition.

Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years,* and you will raise it up in three days?” (Jn 2:19-20). They lost sight of the purpose.

We read how the human tradition usurp the divine-human love connection even in the home and in the practices of life.

Summary

In todays gospel portion Jesus derides the human “tradition” six times.

1. Washing hands.
2. Washing cups, jugs, kettles and beds.
3. Eat with unclean hands.
4. Set aside the commandments of God.
5. Tradition is held at a higher value than the commandments.
6. Nulify the word of God.

Again, perspective and intention. It is good to wash one’s hands. It is not good to make washing ones hands of higher importance than your human family. You ‘give’ to God without taking care of Mother and Father.

Reflection

Our liturgy is not the end unto itself. It is intended to help up surrender into the arms of a loving God.

Personal Reflection

I have to catch myself often enough. Is God actually pleased with what I have done or what I am thinking? Has the tradition become the end unto itself? When I worship, do I worship the person of God or the liturgy of the worship of the person?

Worthy questions for anyone who presumes to know God and keep his commandments.

First Reading

“Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth? If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you, how much less this temple which I have built! Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O LORD, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant, utter before you this day. May your eyes watch night and day over this temple, the place where you have decreed you shall be honored; may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place. Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel which they offer in this place. Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.”

Responsorial

How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

Gospel Acclamation

Incline my heart, O God, to your decrees; and favor me with your law.

Gospel

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition!

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry