When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem
gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate
their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. Mark
7:6–8
It seems quite clear that Jesus’ instant fame led these religious
leaders to jealousy and envy, and they wanted to find fault with
Him. As a result, they carefully observed Jesus and His disciples,
and they noticed that Jesus’ disciples were not following the
traditions of the elders. So the leaders began questioning Jesus
about this fact. Jesus’ response was one of severe criticism of
them. He quoted Isaiah the prophet who said, “This people honors me
with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they
worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.”
Jesus strongly criticized them because their hearts were lacking
true worship. The various traditions of the elders were not
necessarily bad, such as the careful ceremonial washing of one’s
hands before eating. But these traditions were empty if they were
not motivated by a deep faith and love of God. The external
following of human traditions was not truly an act of divine
worship, and that’s what Jesus wanted for them. He wanted their
hearts to be set ablaze with a love of God and with true divine
worship.
What our Lord wants of each one of us is worship. Pure, heartfelt,
sincere worship. He wants us to love God with a deep interior
devotion. He wants us to pray, to listen to Him, and to serve His
holy will with all the powers of our soul. And this is only
possible when we engage in authentic worship.
As Catholics, our life of prayer and worship is grounded in the
holy Liturgy. The Liturgy incorporates many traditions and
practices that reflect our faith and become a vehicle of the grace
of God. And though the Liturgy itself is far different from the
mere “tradition of the elders” that Jesus was criticizing, it’s
useful to remind ourselves that the many Liturgies of our Church
must move from the external actions to interior worship. Going
through the motions alone is pointless. We must allow God to act on
us and within us as we engage in the external celebration of the
Sacraments.
Reflect, today, upon the burning desire in the heart of our Lord to
draw you into worship. Reflect upon how well you allow yourself to
be drawn into this worship every time you attend the holy Mass.
Seek to make your participation not only an exterior one but, first
and foremost, an interior one. Doing so will help ensure that the
rebuke of our Lord upon the scribes and Pharisees does not also
fall upon you.
My divine Lord, You and You alone are worthy of all worship,
adoration and praise. You and You alone deserve the worship I offer
You from the depths of my heart. Help me and Your entire Church to
always interiorize our exterior acts of worship so as to give You
the glory that is due Your holy name. Jesus, I trust in
You.
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Featured image above: The Meal in the House of the Pharisee
By James Tissot
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