Reflection question: Jesus says in this chapter that it isn't what goes in that defiles us (unclean food) - it's what comes out (mean words, gossip, slander, etc.)
Why do you think Jesus says this? What does it mean for us today?
Why do you think Jesus says this? What does it mean for us today?
I think Jesus's words were a radical shift from the teachings of the Jewish traditions of that time. I think He may have said this to open the door to all people, from all traditions, to the Lord's loving presence . Today, I think it may be a good idea to carefully examine my own traditions and rituals.
ReplyDeleteThe nurse in me still wants them to wash their hands, but I understand what Jesus is saying. The rituals don't mean much. They are comforting to us in our lives sometimes, but in the big picture they don't bring us home to Jesus. Only our faith in him can do that. We need his constant help to keep that faith. As I am reading these chapters I feel like it is moving so fast. Miracle to miracle and then on to another town. I want it to slow down and give me more information, more of the story.
ReplyDeleteI love the verse about the uncleanliness, because it made me look at myself and it made me realize that no matter how clean you are on the outside, it's what is inside that counts. If you are unclean on the inside, I think that you have to change your life style to be saved. You must be able to forgive etc. In order to get to Heaven, you must be as clean on the inside as you are on the outside, don't you?
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add that usually the uncleanliness comes from the heart. I think what he is trying to say is that your heart must be clean. It reminds me of a passage in Matthew 23 verse 25. It says" Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean."
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