Mark 7:4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.
Thinking of some of my family traditions makes me smile. Traditions can be beautiful things that bring a family together over the generations. But the issue in today’s scripture is when the tradition becomes more important than the word of God.
Mark 7:6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Think about your own faith tradition (there’s that word again). How often are things done “the way we’ve always done them”? In John 13:34 Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Period. Full stop.
Mark 7:7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’
Lord, We do so many things rooted in our tradition that we claim are in Your name. Forgive us when the pull of tradition blinds us to You. Help us to live fully John 13:34, loving as You love—with mercy and compassion, beyond the bounds of expectation. Help us to shine Your light in all we do. Amen.
Mark 7:8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”
Have a blessed day.