In today’s gospel, Mark describes the conflict between the Pharisees and Jesus. The Pharisees point out that Jesus disciples choose to eat without purifying themselves, which violates the tradition of the elders. Jesus quickly rebukes them:
“This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.”
He is referring specifically to traditions that have developed from those who claimed they love God and love people. Traditions that have been developed by followers and believers in God. Those traditions became more important than God’s Word.
As I reflect on this gospel, the word hypocrisy comes to mind. How dare the Pharisees judge others when they have no respect for the Word of God?
The ‘why’ comes to mind as well. Why does one keep a tradition? Out of habit, or reverence?
I serve on a team that is often asked to provide guidance in child welfare matters. Parents commonly have court-ordered evaluations, counseling sessions, and classes to complete with the intent of giving them tools to parent successfully. Many times, we have conversations about how invested the parent is in the process, or whether they are merely ‘checking the boxes. What is their ‘why’? Do they truly want to care for their child again, or are they trying to get revenge on a former partner? Receive financial assistance that is tied to custody of the child? Regain power? Or do they truly love and prioritize their child? Our team is often faced with conflicts like the one Jesus encountered with the Pharisees.
As we prepare to enter the season of Lent, it may be beneficial to reflect on our outward forms of godliness and where our hearts are as we practice these traditions.
If you have read my past reflections, you know I really like the saints. Today is the Memorial of St. Scholastica. My grandmother was a student at Mt. St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas, in the 1930’s. Although I never knew her (she died at the age of 38), I recently had the opportunity to get a glimpse of her as I read her journal from rhetoric class at Mt. St. Scholastica in the Fall of 1933. I took some time to learn a bit about St. Scholastica. I had no idea she was St. Benedict’s twin sister. She is the patron Saint of nuns, schools, tests, reading, and convulsive children. She is invoked against storms and rain. Like her twin brother, St. Scholastica was a very God-centered, holy woman. Perhaps this prayer can help us keep God’s word and example close so we can live our lives with the purpose for which we were genuinely created.
Saint Scholastica, you and your brother shared not only the same family, but you were also deeply united in a spiritual friendship centered on God. Please pray for me, that I may discover friends who assist me on my journey through this world and that I may be such a friend to others. Saint Scholastica and Saint Benedict, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.
Angela Maynard
I worked at Creighton from 2008-2022. I had a wonderful time managing the student health center until it was outsourced to CHI in 2019. After that I played a key role in the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The best part of my work was that I had the privilege to walk with students as they managed health issues during their time as a Creighton student. I cannot articulate the joy these relationships brought.
I know God is always with me and I’m always on the lookout for the signs he sends my way to reassure me of His love and presence. I look forward to the opportunity to participate in the ministry of Daily Reflections. Intentional reflection time has helped me keep God as my center as I really try to live the Gospel. This is a wonderful opportunity for me. I pray the Holy Spirit guides me in my reflecting.
