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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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Deuteronomy 4:1-2.6-8 Psalm 14 James 1:17-18. 21- 22. 27 Mark 7:1-8.14-15.21-23
The readings today are concerned with Torah or teaching. The book of Deuteronomy teaches that the law given by God should be kept just they were handed to Moses on Mount Sinai. This is the condition on which the people entered and took possession of the land. Observance of the Torah or teaching demonstrates to other nations the wisdom of the people and the nearness of their God.
IIn the Gospel reading Jesus and some of his disciples are criticised for not practising some of the ritual washings which were traditional observances for the Pharisees. The Pharisees had extended the laws of purity which applied to the priests to all Israelites so that all would be part of a priestly people, so Jesus argued that the traditions were not part of the Torah. In any case, Jesus said, evil came from within a person, not from the outside, therefore could not be washed away by a ritual cleansing.
Christians do not keep the laws concerning ritual washing but the basic tenets of Christian life do come directly from the Torah which believers are enjoined to keep. For the Jewish people observing Torah is a joy. Can you say the same? Find a psalm which speaks of the joy of Torah.
Read the letter of St James reflectively today.