Washing of mind and heart is needed and not the hands

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week - Tuesday*

*Washing of mind and heart is needed and not the hands*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 15:1-2, 10-14*

*FIRST READING - Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22*

*1) Controversy over washing of the Hands*

In today's Gospel we see a complaint by the Pharisees and the Scribes about washing of the Hands 

According to the Jewish law one should wash the hands before one takes the food. If not, that will be equal to breaking of the traditions of the elders 

Jesus' disciples didn't observe this particular law at one moment. So the Pharisees and Scribes accursed them for breaking the traditions of the Elders  

*2) Jesus' answer to the Problem*

Jesus answers this problem in a different way 

To this question Jesus says *It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles the man; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one*

Pharisees and Scribes complained about the uncleanliness and Jesus also speaks about uncleanliness

But the uncleanliness of the Pharisees and Scribes is different than the uncleanliness which was spoken by Jesus 

Pharisees and scribes speak about the external cleanliness but Jesus speaks about internal and lasting cleanliness

*3) Jesus on  Internal cleanliness*

When Jesus says *What comes out of the mouth is what defiles one* it refers to the deeper realities of our life, which we need to reflect 

By washing of the Hands nothing happens. There is no any sort of change involved here 

But washing of mind and heart makes a lot of difference and it can change ones life 

*4) Washing of Ones mind*

As we know mind is the centre of Thought, reason, and place of thinking 

Mind is able to make judgements and give conclusions on the information available through the senses 

Since mind guides the entire personality, wrong information of the mind can lead a person totally away from God

Therefore, purity of mind is more important than the purity of Hands 

*5) Washing of the Heart*

Heart is the centre of emotions, feelings, and experience

Whatever happens in the Heart, it comes out through the mouth, which decides our status 

When Heart is pure, the words, the emotions, feelings and approach becomes very much positive and we become great in the sight of God. 

*6) Various ways to Wash ones mind and Heart*

The Sacrament of Confession

The Reading of the Scriptures 

The celebration of the Eucharist

The Examination of the conscience

The Sharing of the things with wise people and getting guidance from them 

*Am I ready to wash my heart and mind??*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*