This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men

 

 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to meet Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

'This people honors Me with their lips,

But their heart is far from Me.

And in vain they worship Me,

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'

"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the  tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."  He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandments of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, 'Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" -- ' (that is, a gift to God), "then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many such things you do."  

 

When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:  There is nothing that enters a man which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"  When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."

 

- Mark 7:1–23 

 

Yesterday we read that, when evening came, as the disciples had been sent back across the Sea of Galilee by Jesus, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.  Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them.  Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.  And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled.  But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid."  Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased.  And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.  For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.  

When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there.  And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick  to wherever they heard He was.  Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment.  And as many as touched Him were made well.

 

Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to meet Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'  For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the  tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."  He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandments of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, 'Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" -- ' (that is, a gift to God), "then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many such things you do."  My study Bible explains that the issue in this passage is not the observation of Jewish customs or traditions, which are most definitely not prohibited by Christ (Matthew 5:17-19; 23:23).  The issue is setting human tradition contrary to the tradition of God.  The tradition of the elders is a body of interpretations of the Law, which for the Pharisees and the scribes was as authoritative as the Law, often superseding it.  So, according to this tradition (as my study Bible explains it) offerings (called Corban) could be promised to God, so it would render property or earnings still available to be used by oneself, but not for others -- including elderly parents.  My study Bible says that secondary traditions such as this obscure the primary tradition of the Law, which is contained in God's commandments.  Jesus quotes from Isaiah 29:13; Exodus 20:12, 21:17.  

 

 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:  There is nothing that enters a man which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"  When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."  My study Bible comments here that food cannot defile a person because food is created by God and is therefore pure.  Evil things are not from God -- and these are what defile a person.  

 

 In today's reading, Jesus gives us an example of how we can take the wisdom of God and turn it into something oppressive by seemingly expanding our zeal for it.  Certainly gifts to God are a good thing; donations to our places of worship and providing for the needs of worship for people are good and uplifting things.  But here, traditions of men have been established that allow people to supposedly express their love of God with gifts that in the end wind up creating circumstances that go entirely against the spirit of the Laws of God. To call something Corban, a gift to God, a kind of offering to the temple in trust during one's lifetime, meant that the owner of this property or gift could then only use it for themselves.   In this case, the example is about gifts that otherwise could be used to help dependent, elderly parents but are instead preserved for only the donor's use.  The practice functions as an excuse to refuse needed help.  Let us recall that the people involved in this story lived in a society that had no social assistance in any number of dimensions of the state as we know it, and so people were dependent upon family and clan for all kinds of needs, even for redressing simple grievances, for example.  Even with all of the extended social fabric of today with its assistance, programs for seniors such as Medicaid or Medicare, Social Security, and a whole host of social services from varied levels of government or community, we will often find ourselves called upon as family to assist others who are in need of extra care.  With all our modern sensibility of the need to care even for those whom we don't know but who are nonetheless members of our society, we lack a perfect system; there is always a need for help, oversight, and effort for those who are dependent for any reason.  So, we can imagine the needs of elderly parents in Christ's time.  What Jesus is saying, as my study Bible explains it above, is that the system of traditions developed by the Pharisees and scribes actually hindered God's Law as given to Moses.  These traditions harmed the outcomes desired by God, the care and structure of community, particularly in the very basic need to help one's elderly parents.  Anyone who has tangled with a bureaucratic requirement that actually hindered getting care for oneself or a family member is familiar with this sense that the spirit of the law is hobbled by the letter of the regulation.  But when it comes to God's purposes, we understand a double layer of hypocrisy from those who have leadership positions and yet enable such common problems of selfishness behind a mask of piety.  Corruption exists today just as it did then, but Christ's outspoken complaint comes in defense of God and God's purposes, for which He has been sent to us.  This isn't simply a violation of basic norms or common courtesy.  This crosses over into a type of blasphemy, where the outward appearance of serving God perverts God's justice and direct teachings.  In our modern age, we might not quite understand the depth of problem such a violation really means or entails, for it's an act against the Spirit of God, against what has been given us by the Lord, not simply a social problem.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What comes out of a man, that defiles a man

 

 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of the disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

'This people honors Me with their lips,

But their heart is far from Me.

And in vain they worship Me,

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'

"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."  He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" -- ' (that is, a gift to God), "then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many such things you do."  

 

When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand?  There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"  When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."

 

- Mark 7:1-23 

 

Yesterday we read that when evening came (following Christ's feeding of the five thousand), the boat of the disciples was in the middle of the sea; and Jesus was alone on the land where He had gone to pray.  Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them.  Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.  And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled.  But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid."  Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased.  And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.  For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.  When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there.  And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.  Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment.  And as many as touched Him were made well.   

 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of the disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'  For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."  He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" -- ' (that is, a gift to God), "then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many such things you do."   My study Bible frames this is as not concerning the observation of Jewish customs or tradition, which Christ does not prohibit (Matthew  5:17-19; 23:23).  The conflict here is setting human tradition which is contrary to the tradition of God, such as that which was given to Moses for the people.  The tradition of the elders is a body of interpretations of the Law.  For the Pharisees and the scribes this became as authoritative as the Law and often superseded it.  According to that tradition, offerings (which were called Corban) could be promised to God in a way that property or earnings could still be used for oneself, but not for anybody else, including a person's parents, my study Bible explains.  It notes that secondary traditions like this obscure the primary tradition of the Law, contained in God's commandments.  Jesus quotes from Isaiah 29:13.

When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand?  There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"  When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."  My study Bible explains that Jesus teaches that food cannot defile a person because it is created by God and is therefore pure.  Evil things are not from God, and these are what defile a person.  

Sometimes Jesus' teachings on the internal life of a person can be somewhat confusing; or rather, the truth is, we might become confused about how they actually apply to our every thought, such as in His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount on murder and adultery (Matthew 5:21-30).  Jesus' emphasis there is on how such violations of the law begin within the heart, and the importance of guarding our hearts and knowing and correcting ourselves in this sense.  But here, His teaching, while it emphasizes the internal state of a person and one's heart, makes clear that what is truly defiling is the evil that comes out of the heart -- not simply restrictions of food.  Indeed, there are things we may avidly consume which are harmful and defiling to us (such as entertainments that encourage lust, violence, covetousness, the components of Christ's teachings about murder and adultery in the Sermon on the Mount just cited).  Jesus' emphasis here on what comes from within, out of the heart of men, is on evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness."  He says that all of these things are evil, and that they all come from within and defile a person.   Therefore, similarly to the teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, we are to guard our own heart in terms of the things we nurture and encourage within ourselves.  Clearly all of these things come from the heart, and so Christ is asking us to be aware of them, to be conscious of where our own spiritual vulnerabilities and temptations are, to correct ourselves and our thinking in this sense, before these things are acted upon.  (An evil eye, by the way is envy.)  It is easy to get caught up in outward appearances, showings of virtue in some sense, and to thus eliminate concern and care for the thoughts we nurture in our hearts as if they don't matter.  But this leads also to the hypocrisy that Christ condemns most vehemently in Matthew 23, His grand critique of the behavior of the scribes and Pharisees.  There, Jesus teaches His disciples that as teachers, the "scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do" (Matthew 23:2-3).  In other words it's not their teachings according to the tradition of Moses that are the problem, but rather their hypocrisy:  "For they say, and do not do."  The practices which He criticizes in today's readings are those things that easily lead to and cover hypocrisy, where greed or covetousness or lust, and all manner of corrupt behaviors that follow, are cultivated and covered by an outward appearance of virtue.  So while one may focus on how well one fasts, or how strictly one can follow outward "good" behavior, if we don't understand that everything we are and do, good and bad, comes from the heart, then we lose the sense of God's presence  to us, and how we need to fight the good fight of faith.  In simplicity and humility we approach God in this sense, for God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). The best of the practices of our faith, the things given in tradition such as fasting during Lent, making the sign of the Cross, all of our liturgical practices and prayer, the use of icons -- all of these things are good and proper when we make proper use of them to shore up our faith, to encourage others, and especially to cultivate and practice a deepening reliance upon God and to learn God's mercy and truth, and live by it in community.  But when the focus becomes purely outward we lose sight of the place to which Christ calls us, and the truth of His teachings in today's reading.  Much of our common life in this time focuses on outward appearance especially through the use of social media.  Many are all too aware of their presence online, what they present to others, how one is seen or can cultivate an image for outward consumption.  Let us also note that those things Christ names as evil things which come from the heart (evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness) can easily stem from and be cultivated by social media and popular culture.   We might call that emphasis on appearance before others and the ruthless demand to adhere to certain social choices our modern day "commandments of men," in the words of Isaiah quoted by Jesus.  An unrelenting focus on outward appearance before others may disrupt the deeply personal reality of faith and of the heart, encouraging us to follow and to fear the crowd more than we focus on the love of God first and its root in us.  Thus our real spiritual struggle becomes one of self-discipline and discernment, holding fast to the love of God first before all else.  Let us consider our focus and remember Christ's words and teachings in today's reading.  For there will always be those who criticize, but the love of God in the heart knows no rival for goodness and truth.

This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me

 

 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

'This people honors Me with their lips, 

But their heart is far from Me.

And in vain they worship Me, 

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'

"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."  He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" --  (that is, a gift to God), "then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down  And many such things you do."

When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:  There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"  When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."  

 

- Mark 7:1–23 

 

Yesterday we read that, after sending the disciples across the sea and going Himself to the mountain to pray, when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and Jesus was alone on the land.  Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them.  Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.  And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled.  But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid."  Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased.  And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.  For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there.  And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.  Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch of His garment.  And as many as touched Him were made well. 

 

 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:  'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'  For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."  He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" --  (that is, a gift to God), "then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down  And many such things you do."  My study Bible comments here that the issue Christ addresses is not the observation of Jewish customs or traditions, which He most certainly does not prohibit (Matthew 5:17-19; 23:23).  The issue, rather, is setting human tradition which is contrary to the tradition of God.  The tradition of the elders to which Jesus refers is a body of interpretations of the Law, which for the Pharisees and the scribes was as authoritative as the Law, and often superseded it.  According to this tradition, my study Bible explains, offerings (called Corban) could be promised to God in a way that property or earnings could still be used for oneself, but not for others -- including parents.  Secondary traditions like this one obscure the primary tradition of the Law, contained in God's commandments.

When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:  There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"  When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."   My study Bible explains that food cannot defile a person because it is created by God and is therefore pure. Evil things, it says, are not from God, and these are what defile a person.

Jesus tells His disciples, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."  Jesus speaks of the heart, referring to it as the interior of a person.  This is the place where the reality of a person is found, the place where judgment would look at a person and discern the truth of what is there.  In the book of Samuel, we read that "the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).  This is what is "within" in Christ's phrase here.  And apparently, it is what we hang onto within ourselves that can defile us, the things that come from the heart.  The heart must be quite a busy place, indeed, as it is also the place of beauty.  In Matthew 12, Jesus speaks of the words that come out of our mouths as a kind of fruit of a tree.  For "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (see Matthew 12:33-37).  When we look at these sayings, as well as today's reading, we have to notice how the heart is linked with judgment, for good or for bad.  This is the place the Lord knows.  Indeed, another name for the Lord is the "heart-knower" (καρδιογνώστης/cardiognostes in Greek).  This is the word that is translated "who knows the heart" in Acts 1:24; 15:8.  Jesus is not implying that we control every single aspect of every thought we encounter.  But He is implying something quite important about the thoughts we nurture and harbor, and even cherish as treasure within ourselves.  If we look closely at His words in today's reading, He's speaking of character traits -- and once again we have to look at the things which we nurture, treasure, and develop within ourselves.  These are the things that become "treasure," for good or for evil.  When I was a child I would marvel at how dirty I could get playing outside, or possibly helping out at my grandmother's farm in the high summer heat.  As an adult there have been times I would marvel over the scrapes or difficult problems I found myself involved in, when I displeased the wrong person or made a mistake.  It's always a surprise, like a new morning, to discover that things we once thought were so difficult could be wiped clean and disappear -- we can find ourselves in a completely different place than we once felt pegged us in the eyes of others.  But it is the truth of Christ's statements here that are borne out through such experiences:  it's the things that we nurture within that stay with us and defile or beautify.  We can help someone in need and produce the fruits of beauty.  We can harm someone out of spite or our own short-comings and stain the heart with something we need to repent.  These are the things that stay with us, the things that go into making us the persons we are, the kind of fruit we bear in the eyes of Christ, the heart the Lord knows.  Where do we go to clean it and remove the stains, the things that hurt?  How do we know its beauty when it shines like gold in the kingdom of God? 

This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men

 

 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

'This people honors Me with their lips,

But their heart is far from Me.

And in vain they worship Me, 

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'

"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."  He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" -- '(that is, a gift to God), "then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many other such things you do."

When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:  There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"  When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."

 

- Mark 7:1-23 

 

Yesterday we read that when evening came, the boat of the disciples was in the middle of the sea; and Christ was alone on the land, where He had remained to pray on the mountain.  Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them.  Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.  And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled.  But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid."  Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased.  And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.  For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.  When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there.  And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.  Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment.  And as many as touched Him were made well.   

 

 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:  'This people honors Me with their lips,

but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'  For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."  He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" -- '(that is, a gift to God), "then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many other such things you do."   My study Bible comments that the issue here is not the observation of Jewish customs or traditions, which Christ certainly does not prohibit (Matthew 5:17-19; 23:23).  What is, in fact, at issue here is setting human tradition contrary to the tradition of God, as Christ says.  The tradition of the elders, my study Bible explains, is a body of interpretations of the Law, which for the Pharisees and the scribes was as authoritative as the Law, and frequently superseded it.   In this tradition, offerings (called Corban) could be promised to God in a way that property or earnings could still be used for oneself, but not for anyone else -- including parents.  My study Bible says that secondary traditions such as this obscure the primary tradition of the Law, which is contained in God's commandments.  Jesus quotes from Isaiah 29:13.

When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:  There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"  When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."  My study Bible comments that food cannot defile a person because it is created by God and is therefore pure.  Evil things, such as are named here by Christ, are not from God -- and these are what defile a person.  

If we consider the topic of healing, as we did in yesterday's commentary, we might observe that once again, Jesus is giving us aspects of Himself as Physician, and what it means for us to heal and find salvation.  This is made explicitly clear when He distinguishes the difference between the traditions around washing and food consumption, and what truly defiles a person in spiritual terms.  Overall, He makes the distinction in today's reading between the commandments of God and the traditions of human beings.  Whatever good we derive from human traditions, it does not supersede the things that come from God, the divine action of grace, the Holy Spirit and God's action in the world.  Jesus makes a perfect example out of the tradition of Corban, and the treatment of parents -- who, at Christ's time, had no sort of social payment system to rely on but had primarily to rely on children and extended family if they were dependent.  (As an aside, we might note how Christ, in this strong criticism, is defending His disciples against the criticism of the Pharisees and scribes.)  We can watch our diet, we can be proud of the discipline we have, for example, in fasting, or in ways in which we follow social custom.  But there is nothing that supersedes the word of God and the commandments of God, especially in terms of our salvation and that which heals us and gives good spiritual health in God's sight.  For, as we repeatedly are given to understand, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).  We note that Jesus quotes from the prophesy of Isaiah in which God declaims, "But their heart is far from Me."  As Jesus will do several times in the Gospels (most notably in Matthew 23), Jesus condemns hypocrisy.  Yet even this condemnation we must see through the lens of Christ as the great Physician, our Savior who heals us.  We must come to know hypocrisy as a true corrupter and poisoner of our souls, and something that provides a deep interference to salvation.  For without honesty about where our hearts truly are -- and how far or near they are to God and the love of God -- without this deepening of faith, we will not heal.  We will not be healed in the spiritual sense that Christ's salvation provides.  How can we, without being truly honest with ourselves, deepen our faith, and come to Christ in all humility?  This is vehemently stated in today's reading, as Christ gives His scathing criticism to the religious leaders.  But in effect it is teaching us about what we need for healing, what truly "defiles" and corrupts -- and we must see this in the nature of salvation and Christ's efforts to save.  We cannot deepen our faith without understanding this, and everything -- especially our healing and salvation -- depends on that movement toward Christ, our hearts drawing close to God.  Let us take it all "to heart" and understand more comprehensively Christ's healing mission in all its dimensions for us.

 

There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man

 

 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

'This people honors Me with their lips,

But their heart is far from Me.

And in vain they worship Me,

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'

"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."  He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" -- '(that is, a gift to God), "then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many such things you do."  

When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:  There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"  When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."

 

- Mark 7:1-23 

 

Yesterday we read that, after Jesus had sent the disciples across the Sea of Galilee, when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.  Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them.  Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.  And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled.  But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid."  Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased.  And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.  For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.  When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there.  And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.  Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment.  And as many as touched Him were made well.

 

 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:  'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'  For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."  He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" -- '(that is, a gift to God), "then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many such things you do."  My study Bible comments that the issue here is not the observation of Jewish customs or traditions, which Jesus most certainly doesn't prohibit (Matthew 5:17-19, 23:23).  The real issue here is setting human tradition contrary to the tradition of God, as Jesus explains ("For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do").  The tradition of the elders is a body of interpretations of the Law, which for the Pharisees and the scribes was just as authoritative as the Law, and, my study Bible says, often superseded it.  According to this tradition, offerings (called Corban) could be promised to God in a way that property or earnings could still be used for oneself -- but not for others, including one's parents.  These types of secondary traditions obscure the primary tradition of the Law, my study Bible comments, which is contained in the commandments of God.

When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:  There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"  When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."  My study Bible explains that food cannot defile a person because it is created by God, and is therefore pure.  Evil things ("evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness") are not from God, and these are what defile a person.

What is evil?  How do we know what evil is?  My study Bible explains Jesus' teachings in today's reading by saying that food is created by God, and therefore cannot be evil in and of itself.  Jesus says that evil things, or things which defile a person, come out of a person -- out of the heart.  What this does is shift our attention from external forms of "contamination" to a sense of ourselves as needing protection and vigilance for our hearts.  This is frequently called "guarding the heart."  It consists of watching our own thoughts, what we nurture within ourselves, the things we harbor, the habits we keep, even our automatic responses to things that provoke.  Human beings have all kinds of temptations and thought patterns which are sparked by or in some sense simply absorbed from the world we're born into.  Since sin is a part of our environment, so then is its influence -- and all the things Jesus names as evil here are a part of our environment.  We "learn" them the same way we learn to speak as children; in that sense, they are all around us.  But Jesus makes it clear that we are responsible for what we choose to keep and protect, to harbor and to allow to grow within ourselves.  We're responsible for what we nurture and dwell upon and cultivate and thereby grow in our hearts.  It's sort of like the seeds in the parable of the Sower, but in the inverse:  Christ as the Sower sows good seeds, and it's up to us to nurture those good things in our hearts and allow them to grow, and to protect them from the things that are harmful to them.   The "evil things" that Christ names in today's reading are those things that harm and destroy and compete with the seeds that Christ seeks to plant in us.  Jesus names them as "evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness."   An evil eye, one should understand, is generally known as envy, a malevolent lust for what doesn't belong to us but to someone else.  If we look closely at these "evil things" which Jesus names, we see that they all have a selfish component to them.  He's not talking about things done in self-defense or to protect others, but things which are a means to a selfish end, and often using others as though they were just material things to manipulate for our own desires.  But Jesus makes clear that we aren't merely victims or slaves to passing thoughts, but people with the capacity for self-awareness, and we are called to this awareness and to the work of guarding the heart.  We may all have weaknesses, but we are all expected to put in the effort to be aware of them and to seek to develop strength instead.  In Jesus' teaching there is the assumption that we all have agency; moreover, we all have spiritual help in this effort.  The work of psychology in modern form is all about using this agency, our own capacity for understanding ourselves and saying "no" to the things that aren't good for us and lead to harmful behavior.  In this modern context, therapy is meant to be engaged with effort and positive results; our weaknesses or existing bad habits are not an excuse to simply indulge in them.  Christ gives us a focus; we're not simply at the mercy of forces that batter us, and complete control and manipulation of what's around us is not the answer either to our spiritual questions.  Our real integrity is elsewhere.  Let us remember to focus on the place the heart, to keep and guard what is good, and to be on guard to cast out what defiles.

 

 

 

 

There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man

 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:

'This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'

For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."

He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" -- (that is, a gift to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many other such things you do."

When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:  There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"    When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from the outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."

- Mark 7:1-23

Yesterday, we read that when evening came, the boat carrying the disciples was in the middle of the sea; and Jesus was alone on the land, where He had remained behind to pray (see Thursday's reading).  Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them.  Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.  And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled.  But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid."  Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased.  And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.  For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.  When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there.  And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.  Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment.  And as many as touched Him were made well.

Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.  Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.  For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.  When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash.  And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"  He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:  'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'  For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -- the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do."  He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.  For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban" -- (that is, a gift to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many other such things you do."   At issue here is conflict between the "traditions of men" (that is, traditions built up in interpretations of the Law) and the Law itself, the commandments given to Moses.  Jesus is saying that these are in conflict, and that the religious leadership prefers these precepts developed in the "tradition of the elders" over the Law itself.   The Pharisees and scribes held these traditions to be as authoritative as the Law, and in fact in practice they could supersede it.   Jesus gives the example of Corban, an offering promised to God in a way that allowed property or earnings to be used by the owner, but no one else could thereby use them, including parents.  My study bible says, "Secondary traditions such as this obscure the primary tradition of the Law, which is contained in God's commandments."  The implication of Christ is clear:  the human traditions are used in contradiction to God's commands.  In this example, the tradition clearly emphasizes the human flaws of greed and selfishness, rather than the commandments which uphold community.   The tradition has distanced people from God.

When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:  There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.  If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!"    When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.  So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also?  Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from the outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?"  And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within and defile a man."   My study bible says, "Food cannot defile a person because it is created by God and is therefore pure.  Evil things [which Jesus names here] are not from God, and these are what defile a person."

It's an essential part of Christian heritage for us to understand what Christ is saying here, and what my study bible says about things that are created by God.  We have to recall the time when Christianity was founded, particularly in the context of the varied philosophies and practices of the time based on the idea that all "matter" was base, and it was "spirit" that was good.  The bible talks about what is worldly, and the things of the "flesh," not to indicate that the things of the body are base or bad -- but rather to teach us about a life where the only thing we consider is the body separate from God.  The distinction is between a purely materialistic perception, and one that is "whole," if you will; that is,  a life in which communion and community involve God in all things.  It is in this sense of wholeness and healing that the things which are created by God are good:  everything is made for glory.  This is the traditional teaching of the Church.  Christ's healing ministry, even His very presence in the world as incarnate human being, gives us exactly what wholeness is:  God with us.  His very incarnation teaches us about the essential goodness of the body and the things necessary for human life, even all things created by God, as my study bible puts it.  There is no division between spirit and matter in this point of view; there is only the danger of focus only on the material and excluding God from the full picture of our lives, our communities, our relationships, and all the rest of the things we do with our lives.  In this sense, true wholeness is right-relatedness, righteousness, with God -- Father, Son, and Spirit -- as mediator for all things.  It is interesting to look at the word that is translated as defile.  It literally means to "make common."  But its root is the same one that we use for "communion."  What it indicates is the stripping away of holiness, the taking away of God, making "profane" instead of sacred.  In Jesus' point of view, all these things that go into the mouth are created by God, and therefore cannot defile.  But what defiles is what we create that is not of God, out of "synch" with God's creation and creativity that is also within us and a part of our own capacity for creativity.  In this picture, we have capacity for what is good, and for what is not good, outside of the life that God calls us to, outside of communion with God.  And in this sense of things, both examples in today's reading, as given by Jesus, tie together.  We can use our possessions for good, to support life and true communion, as we are called by God to do.  Or they can be used for ill, to destroy the kind of relatedness that the commands given to Moses were meant to uphold.  There is a false dichotomy, in this given picture, between matter and spirit.  If we are really to understand Christianity, it is important that we see that.  The real conflict is between a life without God, and a life with God -- and we remember this includes the mysterious working of the Spirit in our midst, something we can't see or predict, but whose effects we know (John 3:8).  We have taught to us what many of these effects are:  "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23).  What we need for human life, a life lived in the joy of communion with God -- such as the fruits of the Spirit -- is all essentially good.  Jesus will be criticized time and again for the way His disciples enjoy life with Him, for the way in which He upholds life.  He is the One who made water into wine for a wedding feast.  Let us try to remember what it is that defiles, and what it is that makes truly holy.  Our goal as faithful is to be at that wedding feast of joy, true union with the Bridegroom.  It is what strips that joy from life that truly defiles.