Experiencing God - Our True Intention 177

"Listen!  There is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defiles."
Gospel of Mark

The above Gospel passage is a continuation of Chapter seven of the Gospel of Mark.  The Scribes and Pharisees accuse Jesus and His disciples of eating with defiled hands:  That is eating without washing them first.  These readings have nothing to do with proper hygiene.  They have to do with the continuing sharp conflict that existed between Jesus and the Pharisees over the issues of what and how to eat properly.  But it is much broader than this.  What is more important? -- The rigid adherence to rules, regulations, rituals and other external practices, or the transformation of one's heart.  It is only in the transformation of one's heart that we can respond to life's situations in the way that God intended. 

In all us, the human tendency exists to believe that we can save ourselves through our own efforts, through our good works.  If we do begin to move in this direction, then what comes to the forefront of our lives is the discipline of following a rather rigid and inflexible set of practices from which we can evaluate how well we are doing.  The important thing becomes observing these practices, not determining whether we are responding to life's situations in the most loving, compassionate, and supportive fashion.

In the former, the focus is on "self".  How well am I doing?  Am I doing what is necessary to please God?  In the latter, the focus is on our inner transformation and service to others. 

In the former, we control the actions to be done, so it often leads to a sense of self-justification.  In the latter, we require constant examination and re-evaluation and acknowledgment of our need to change.  We recognize that we often miss the mark, but we place our reliance on Grace to guide and direct our actions.

In religious life, it is quite easy to fall into the trap of the Scribes and Pharisees.  I recall many years ago having a conversation with a young woman who was a bit resentful against the Church.  After some conversation, it became apparent that the reason for it was because her mother put her church activities and prayer ahead of her children and family responsibilities. 

The purpose of washing our hands before meals and encouraging our children to do the same is to protect them and us from germs that could lead to colds and flu.  Washing hands for the rule itself is quite insignificant.  The purpose of our church involvements and prayer is to help us grow into holiness; to exhibit more the qualities of care, compassion, forgiveness and responsibilities towards others.  If we see these activities as only rituals and practices to please God and to meet our own tests of piety, then we may have gone astray from their true intention.

For each of us, Jesus provides the wisdom and direction we need to live our lives with this true intention and purpose.