Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 27: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 80; Evening, Psalm 77;
Nehemiah 9: 1 to 25; Revelation 18:1 to 8; Matthew 15:1 to 20
“Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, ‘Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands before they eat.” (Matthew 15:1 and 2)
These temple authorities travel from Judah up to Galilee only to point out what they believe is a minor transgression against the law. Jesus will point out that they themselves have perverted the will of God by creating human covenants that subvert the Law of God.
The issue is about food and clean hands. Jesus points out that it is not food that pollutes us but rather the self-serving sins of our own egos that pollute us. Therefore, if we petition God to clean our hearts (because only God can), we will be better off and not defiled, or at least, less defiled. But we must first want it.
God waits patiently for us to decide what we want. It matters more about what we want than what we do. Of course we shouldn’t eat with unwashed hands, I know that. But we also must stop being selfish, racist, cheaters, thieves and murderers; for these atrocities are far worse that eating with unwashed hands. And even if the body is poisoned, a clean soul will have our Lord to save us and bring us to be with Him, so that where He is, we will be with Him. Let us first get our hearts on the right path.
Personally, I’m a stickler for praying before eating. We shouldn’t eat unblessed food.
Today we remember Leo of Rome, Bishop of Rome, Doctor (November 10, 461) and his information may be found at: Leo the Great.
And, as a 30-year Marine myself, today we celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday, 250 years of faithful service. Semper Fidelis Marines.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (BCP p. 355)
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 