The Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered around Him when they had come from Jerusalem, and had seen that some of His disciples were eating their bread with impure hands, that is, unwashed.
The traditions of men are deep in us all. Not that all traditions are bad – we all have them – but the truth is that we are to love, fear, and trust God above all things. Yes, it is good to wash your hands, but will we go to hell if we do not? There is the impure in body, and then there is impurity of the soul. One can have an unclean body and yet be clean in heart. We are called to follow the Lord.
Lord, you know that I need a clean heart. Help me so that my traditions do not get in the way of my faith in You. Help me to be clean, yes, but not for my own sake, but in obedience to all that You would have me do. Give me a heart that questions why I do what I do in order that I would learn to be obedient to You in and through all things. Teach me what it means to be faithful. Only by Your guidance am I able to live a life of faith.
Lord Jesus, help me to see and understand the details of what I read in the Gospel. In all things, keep my mind curious so that I seek the wisdom You offer. Guide me by the power of Your Holy Spirit to seek faithfulness in all that I do. Guide me to live according to Your word and not be caught up into the traditions of men. Also, help me to not be hostile to tradition, but understand that traditions can guide, but that You alone must lead. Amen.
