MARK 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23: CLEAN HANDS, UNCLEAN HEARTS AND THE CALL TO INNER TRANSFORMATION

1 The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered round him,

2 and they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with unclean hands, that is, without washing them.

3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, keep the tradition of the elders and never eat without washing their arms as far as the elbow;

4 and on returning from the market place they never eat without first sprinkling themselves. There are also many other observances which have been handed down to them to keep, concerning the washing of cups and pots and bronze dishes.

5 So the Pharisees and scribes asked him, 'Why do your disciples not respect the tradition of the elders but eat their food with unclean hands?'

6 He answered, 'How rightly Isaiah prophesied about you hypocrites in the passage of scripture: This people honours me only with lip-service, while their hearts are far from me.

7 Their reverence of me is worthless; the lessons they teach are nothing but human commandments.

8 You put aside the commandment of God to observe human traditions.'

14 He called the people to him again and said, 'Listen to me, all of you, and understand.

15 Nothing that goes into someone from outside can make that person unclean; it is the things that come out of someone that make that person unclean.

21 For it is from within, from the heart, that evil intentions emerge: fornication, theft, murder,

22 adultery, avarice, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, pride, folly.

23 All these evil things come from within and make a person unclean.'

(end of the gospel reading)

THE SERMON

Today, we have to reflect on a powerful teaching from the Gospel of Mark. In this passage, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His time, who are more concerned with external rituals than with the condition of the heart. It’s a moment that challenges us to examine our own practices, beliefs, and, most importantly, our intentions.

The Pharisees and scribes approach Jesus, critiquing Him for not adhering to the tradition of the elders, specifically, the ritual handwashing before meals. They are focused on the external, on the visible signs of piety, while Jesus draws their attention inward. He responds not with anger, but with clarity, citing Isaiah’s words: “This people honor me only with lip-service, while their hearts are far from me.”

Herein lies a profound truth for us today. How often do we honor God with our words and actions, while neglecting the deeper call to transformation within our hearts? It is so easy to fall into the trap of rituals and traditions, to become so focused on what we do that we forget why we do it. Our faith can become a checklist of activities instead of a heartfelt relationship with God.

Jesus calls the crowd to listen, to understand that true defilement does not come from what enters our bodies, but from what emerges from our hearts. This is a radical shift from the external focus of the Pharisees to the internal reality of our intentions and actions. He lists the things that can make us unclean: fornication, theft, murder, and more. These are not merely actions, but reflections of a heart that has strayed from God’s commandment to love.

Let us pause and reflect on this. What emerges from our hearts? Are we harboring malice, envy, or deceit? These are not just sins; they are signs of a heart that needs renewal. The call of Jesus invites us to introspection and transformation. He urges us to cleanse our hearts, to examine our intentions, and to realign ourselves with God’s purpose.

As we consider our lives, our choices, our words, and our interactions with others, let us ask ourselves: Are we adhering to human traditions that distract us from the heart of God’s commandments? Are we allowing our practices to define our faith instead of letting our faith guide our practices?

This Gospel challenges us to dig deeper, to seek authenticity in our relationship with God. Jesus wants us to cultivate a heart that is open to His love and grace, one that is willing to seek justice, show mercy, and walk humbly. Our faith is not about outward appearances, but about the inner transformation that allows us to reflect Christ’s love in the world.

As we allow ourselves to thrive in this world, let us commit to looking within. Let us seek to cleanse our hearts of anything that stands between us and God. And let us remember that our actions should flow from a heart filled with love, compassion, and grace.

May we honor God not just with our lips, but with our lives, embodying the love that Jesus so beautifully exemplified.

But before we end, I just want to remember you these key lessons that we learn from this gospel reading:

1. Inner Purity Over External Rituals: Jesus teaches that true purity comes from within. It’s not enough to follow rituals or traditions; what matters is the condition of our hearts.

2. Beware of Hypocrisy: The Pharisees are criticized for focusing on human traditions while neglecting the spirit of God’s commandments. We should strive for authenticity in our faith and actions.

3. Intentions Matter: Our thoughts and intentions shape our actions. It’s important to cultivate a heart filled with love and integrity, as our inner life ultimately influences how we interact with others.

4. Transformation is Key: Spiritual transformation begins within. Rather than merely conforming to external expectations, we should seek a genuine relationship with God that changes us from the inside out.

5. Embrace God’s Commandments: Prioritize God’s teachings over human-made rules. Understanding the heart of God’s law helps us live more fully in love and grace.

6. Community Reflection: As a community, we should encourage one another to look beyond mere traditions and focus on embodying the love and compassion of Christ.

7. Accountability for Our Actions: We are responsible for what we allow to flourish in our hearts. Regular self-examination and prayer can help us identify and address negative patterns.

By embracing these lessons, we can deepen our faith and live out the true essence of Christ’s teachings.