Washing of the Hands and Washing of the heart and Mind

Gospel Thoughts*

*Fifth Week : Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 7:1-13*

*First Reading - Gn 1:20-2:4a*

*Washing of the Hands and Washing of the heart and Mind*

*1) The issue of the Washing of the Hands*

For all Jews washing of the hands was one of the important traditional customs which they observed meticulously

They considered this custom is coming from their elders and breaking such customs would be a insult to the elders 

So almost all the Jews would wash their hands before they eat or after they return from the market 

*2) Washing of the Hands is a sign of cleanliness*

From the perspective of cleanliness, washing of hands is an important thing 

It also necessary from the point of hygien 

So there is nothing wrong in washing of the hands 

*3) For Jews washing of the hands remained only at external level*

For them it was a ritual remained only at the external level

They didn't see any deep meaning in it. In fact seeing a deeper meaning in it they used this ritual to trap Jesus and His disciples

So for Jews it became an opportunity to trap Jesus and to find fault with Jesus. 

*4) Jesus uses this ritual for deeper meaning*

Jesus takes this ritual and speaks about the cleanliness of the heart 

As Jews see the need and necessity of washing of the hands, Jesus sees still deeper into the issue, which demands the washing of the heart, mind and our whole inner self 

For Jews washing of the heart, mind and inner self does not make any sense. But for Jesus washing of the heart and mind and inner self more important than the washing of the hands 

*5) Washing of the hand and Washing of the heart -Mind*

Washing of the hands is very easy but washing of the heart and mind is not easy 

Washing of the hands deals with external cleanliness, but washing of mind and heart deals about spiritual cleanliness

Washing of the hand can be done with the water, but washing of the heart and mind can be done only through the spiritual things like, sacrament of reconciliation, repentance, conversion etc

Washing of the hands can be done by others. But washing of the mind and heart can be done only the the self and not by others 

Washing of the hands will not change the person, but washing of the heart and mind will totally change the person for better 

Washing of the hands needs no courage, but washing of the heart and mind needs a tremendous courage and goodwill 

*6) Washing of the Heart and mind*

Mind is a place of thoughts. 

We have variety of thoughts I'm our minds 

Washing of the minds will help us to retain the good thoughts and to avoid the bad thoughts 

Avoiding bad thoughts is not easy. The the process of washing the mind will help us to clean up all the dirt from our minds 

Like wise heart is the center of feeling and emotions

 

Since heart is centre of all the good as well as evil feelings, washing of the heart is necessary. 

Only then we can purify ourselves and have good feelings which leads us to become good persons 

*7) Christian spirituality belongs to washing of the heart and mind and not of hands*

There is no much place for washing of the hands in Christian spirituality. 

Christian spirituality demands the washing of the heart and mind in order to lead a holy life 

Washing of the heart and mind makes a person holy and to become a genuine  follower of Christ. 

*9) Where do I stand?*

Am I immersed in washing of the hands, which are not necessary at all? Or having very less significance

Or am I seriously involved in washing of my heart and mind everyday to keep it clean and holy 

The Lenten season which we are going begin shortly calls us to wash our hearts and minds and not the hands. 

*Am I ready?*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*