By Steve Hall
The Gospel reading follows a different line. It pits the Law given to Moses by God against the laws given by the Pharisees to the People of God. According to the practice of the day, sanctity was to be achieved by following what men had decided on. In that legal opposition, we see the crux of the problem.
Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin
1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30
Mark 7:1-13
Sometimes we get things backward, or upside down, or inside out.
In previous readings, we heard of King David moving the Ark of the Covenant and desiring to build a house for the Lord. In today’s Old Testament reading we find that David’s son, King Solomon, has completed just such a ‘house’ in the capital city of Jerusalem. Further, ina great ceremony and celebration, that completion was commemorated. Finally, God has been brought to where man is.
The Gospel reading follows a different line. It pits the Law given to Moses by God against the laws given by the Pharisees to the People of God. According to the practice of the day, sanctity was to be achieved by following what men had decided on.
In that legal opposition, we see the crux of the problem, for the Pharisees attempted to put into practice what Solomon had symbolized physically: We will bring God to where we are. Sometimes we get things backward, or upside down, or inside out.
Maybe we should try something new and go to where God is rather than trying to bring God to us.