Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
A lot of advertising and marketing today projects the image that we can be happy if only we get on the right diet or eat at the right foods. We are told that blueberries are ‘super foods’ so we should eat them, that eggs with omega threes are better than regular eggs and will make us healthy, or that we will be happy if we treat ourselves to a cup of specialty coffee. The point of most of this advertising seems to be to get us to think that we can make ourselves happy by eating ‘the right’ things. In the gospel for today, however, Jesus shows us a different way to be. What is important is not eating the right things, making ourselves righteous, or holding ourselves to standards of purity. Instead what is really important is our relationship with God.
We often fall into the trap of thinking that we can live satisfied, happy lives by relying on ourselves, by making sure that we do the right things or follow the right code of behavior. This can often lead to a judgmental attitude towards others. We say to ourselves that those other people are not living well, but we are. In the gospel for today, Jesus reminds the Pharisees of the danger of making an idol out of a code of ethics and thereby running the risk of appearing good on the outside but falling far short in our love for others. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees, because, even though they outwardly observe the law, on the inside they have not taken it to heart. They are content to practice religion outwardly without allowing it to change them internally.
Jesus is not saying that it is bad to do what we are required to do; however, holding ourselves to a moral code is not worth anything unless we learn to love God and our neighbor in the process. If we truly desire to follow Jesus then we are called to internalize his teachings so that they become a part of us and they do not remain just a set of rules to follow. Only in this way can the love that God has shown to us take root in our hearts and affect a change in our thoughts, words, and deeds. I am reminded here of a different passage, where Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea saying that God desires mercy not sacrifice (Matthew 9: 13). What we do on a daily basis flows from our inner spiritual state. If our hearts are oriented positively towards God, we will do what is pleasing to God.
As I reflect on the scripture readings for today, I think of the ways that I have responded and failed to respond to God’s revelation in Jesus. Have I allowed myself to be converted, or do I try to save myself by holding myself to false standards that becomes idols for me and prevent me from truly doing God’s will? Do I hold on to old ways of thinking, doing, and being and thereby resist God’s grace? Do I give excuses for why I can’t take Jesus completely seriously and offer up my life fully to God? Or do I respond by turning my heart over to him to be converted? Today I pray for the grace to follow Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Joel Schickel