5TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition.

In today’s Gospel, some Pharisees and scribes ask what appears to be an innocent question: why did Jesus’ disciples eat with unclean hands? After all, Jewish tradition was clear about the importance of washing hands as part of ritual purification. But Jesus’ rebuke is clear: traditions were meant to be at the service of God’s commandments, not the other way around. They should never undermine the commandments or give us the excuse to ignore them (Mark 7:9).

So how can we ensure that we are not “nullify[ing] the word of God” in favor of something less important (Mark 7:13)? Let’s reflect on some of the Beatitudes, which are among Jesus’ most important teachings, to see if we can find some helpful answers.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus teaches (Matthew 5:3). He invites us to let go of our attachment to material things and to trust in God’s provision for us instead. Often the “smart” thing seems to be to amass and hold tightly to our resources. But can you count yourself “blessed” even when your resources are limited or when you feel prompted to give generously?

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Jesus calls us to forgive those who have hurt us, but some of our family or cultural traditions might tell us that it’s acceptable to hold a grudge or a judgment, especially against someone who doesn’t acknowledge their role in hurting us. Are you willing to let go of these judgments and trust that God’s mercy is as much for those who might have hurt you as it is for you?

“Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). It’s hardly considered a blessing to be persecuted! In fact, people might consider us forsaken by God while we endure various trials. But Jesus asks us to consider ourselves blessed, and even to rejoice when we experience opposition or misunderstandings—because we’re becoming more like him!

Allow God’s word, and not human traditions, to shape your perspective today. Let it help you leave behind any ways that keep you from following him with your whole heart.

“Lord, I want to trust you and rely on your ways.”

Genesis 1:20–2:4
Psalm 8:4-9
Mark 7:1-13