Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday, 5th Week in Ordinary Time February 6, 2024, Mark 7:1-13
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020624.cfm
Hand-Me-Downs
Growing up, I found it exciting to wear an old shirt my brother didn’t need any more or had outgrown. I was so proud when I got his baseball glove, which was broken in. Traditions are hand-me-downs from generation to generation, and we pick up things without realizing it.
For example, for the last 50 years, I have held the fork in my left- hand upside down and scooped food onto it instead of scooping with my right hand. I learned this behavior over the six years I spent in England.
Traditions take a lot of work to break. They become so much a part of us that we do them unconsciously. In today’s gospel, the Pharisees saw Jesus’ disciples eat before washing their hands. Jesus called these behaviors human traditions. They were healthy hand-me-downs but not the most important. The leaders gave God lip service because they lacked heart.
Our Catholic Faith is full of traditions we have had since Jesus and the apostles. The worship of God in the Eucharist is one of the first traditions. It is easy to lose the meaning and value of celebrating the Mass with our parish family when the sacred liturgy becomes routine.
I find it easy to pray with my heart when I acknowledge that I am in the Presence of God. I feel the prayers rather than think them. Cherish the praise in your heart for a favor received. Embrace sadness and surrender it to the Lord, letting Him take care of everything.
Gospel Challenge:
Hear Jesus speak to you the words in the readings and prayers at Mass. “The Word of the Lord, for you.” “This is my Body given up for you.” Let those words soak into your heart and mind all day. What is He saying?
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor
