The Controversy of Purification

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 5th Week: Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 7:1-13*

*First Reading :  1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30*

*The Controversy of Purification*

*1) The Question of Purification*

The entire Gospel of the day speaks about the aspect of Purification 

The Pharisees and Scribes criticised the followers of Jesus, because of the question of purification

Jesus called them hypocrites because of their insistence on the  wrong understanding purification

*2) Scribes, Pharisees and Purification*

The first part of the Gospel speaks about the understanding of the purification according to scribes and Pharisees

They spoke about the purification of the hand before taking the food 

They highlighted the purification of the external body after returning from the market place 

They spoke about the purification of the cups and jugs and kettles and beds

These were the main things for them for purification 

*3) Jesus and Purification*

Jesus also highlighted the aspect of purification from the beginning of His ministry 

Jesus spoke about the purification of the lips and of the tongue - the language we use 

Jesus spoke about the purification of the heart - the feeling we express

Jesus spoke about the purification of the mind - the thought pattern of the person, which ultimately causes every action of ours 

Jesus spoke about the purification of our eyes, ears, attitude, behavior, and our internal self

*4) The effect of purification*

The purification, according to the scribes and Pharisees will help us in maintaining our biological health 

This purification is seen the the hygienic point of view 

Jesus speaks about the spiritual purification which is more important than anything else 

Out of two, only the second type of purification, which was highlighted by Jesus makes us 

Real human beings 

Helps us to find meaning for our life 

Makes us spiritual being 

Makes us to live a good life 

Helps us to follow the moral principles 

Helps us to have divine experience

Ultimately only the second form of purification will help us to attain eternal life 

*5) Purification, tradition and Commandments of the Lord*

Purification of scribes and Pharisees give importance to the traditions of the elders and man made rules 

Purification which was highlighted by Jesus helps us to follow the commandments of the Lord

Human comforts are at the centre in the purification of the scribes and Pharisees 

God experience and spiritual wellbeing is at the centre in Jesus' purification 

*6) What is my Choice?*

Like Pharisees and scribes we also follow the external purification and give more importance

At times We become slaves and  hypocrites by following unreasonable traditions, which highlights only the external show, pomp and glory 

In most of our social functions the external glory and show dominates and many think that is the real life 

But Jesus shows us the real purification should come from heart, mind and the entire self, which gives us the real meaning for our life

If so, what's my choice?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*