5th Week in Ordinary Time (Year A) : Tuesday 7th February 2023

The ancient peoples of the world had various explanations for the world’s creation, all of which could not match the Hebrew idea of a world created by divine command. The Hebrew world was the product of the mind of God. God said, “Let there be ….”

Man [humankind] was created in His own image. Psalm 8 explains that God “crowned him with glory and splendour” (v5). He was privileged to run the world but was responsible and accountable to his Creator. He was thus distinct from the other animals, for he had a special relationship with God, as he could respond to God.

Through time, this awareness of God eroded, with humankind becoming more self-absorbed in formulating their own rules and laws for their own satisfaction, to the extent of ignoring God’s Laws. During Jesus’ time, the Pharisees complained about the disciples of Jesus, saying they did not follow the “tradition of the elders” (Mk. 7:3).

In response to them, Jesus denounces the Pharisees’ hypocrisy. He highlights their circumventing obedience to the Fifth Commandment — Honour your father and your mother. Instead of obeying the Law, they claim that their money or wealth is ‘Korban’  and is a gift promised to the temple and not to their parents. They pretended to be holy while failing in their solemn duty to their parents.

Lord, remind us that our inner well-being depends on our awareness of the need to maintain a proper relationship with God and His Laws. Amen.