Dear Fathers, Brothers, Sisters in Christ,
1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30
Psalm 84:3, 4, 5 and 10, 11
Mark 7:1-13
YOU disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition.
(Mark 7:8)
Something we must understand here is that Jesus is NOT condemning tradition. His statement is twofold and the condemnation is in the first half. "You disregard God's commandment."
We can all see that there is nothing whatsoever wrong with washing one's hands--the tradition is sound and a basis for good health. The problem is that when widows and orphans go uncared for and unfed, when men and women are unjustly oppressed, when people in the streets go without food, and all that is done to assure sanctity is washing one's hands before a meal . . . well, something is wrong.
Jesus simply tells us here to get our priorities straight. Loving God must come first and foremost. Loving God is shown by honoring His commandments. Do this first and traditions fall into their proper place--all part of a harmonious, beautiful, and God-filled life.
Father Ed Bakker,
Anglican Catholic Church/ Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia
