B: 22nd Sun of OrdTime (2 Sept 2018) - DETERMINING THE TRADITIONS - Mk 7:1-23

Our gospel today talks about the so-called Traditions of the Elders. These are considered sacrosanct by the Pharisees and scribes who went over from Jerusalem to test Jesus. His disciples are being accused of violating these traditions by not washing their hands before eating as well as the vessels and cups they use (Mk 7:3, 5). For these conservative protectors of the Mosaic laws, these disciples are sinning and Jesus should be reprimanding them for their disrespect of the age-old precepts.

However, Jesus labels these traditions as inferior to the commandments of God. While the former are man-made, the latter are heavenly (cf. vv. 8, 9, and 13). What matters to Jesus is the cleanliness of the inside, i.e., the purity of the heart, over any ceremony eliminating physical defilement.

Traditions in the Scriptures are not held negatively in general in the New Testament. The Greek word used is “paradosis” which literally means “anything handed over” in general, and “laws and practices passed on in time from the elders of old” in particular. Specifically, Paul uses that word positively when reminding the Corinthians that they should keep the “paradosis” he taught them (cf. 1 Cor 11:2). The same goes in his letter to Timothy and his community (cf. 2 Tim 2:15; 3:6). However, in the Synoptics, since it is associated with the Pharisees and scribes who decide which are traditions and not, “paradosis” is presented as stifling one from expressing freely his/her religion and relationship with God. The point here is that traditions per se are laudable but when they are implemented to impede mankind from becoming holy, then they are to be challenged and put into their proper perspective.

In our present society, many so-called Catholic traditions and practices are not re-examined. Many resist to open the discussions at least since they view that doing so is a disrespect to the history behind it. Nonetheless, it should be born in mind that they are initially interpreted by people who are also prisoners of their time. For the true spirit of the elders to be relevant today, traditions have to be constantly reviewed and adapted so that they do not hinder spiritual growth but rather enhance it.

Take for example the standing rule that couples who are not married in a Catholic wedding should never receive communion during the mass. What if certain circumstances prevent them from licitly tying the knot? Or what if one’s partner is a non-practising-Catholic who refuses to participate into this rite? Shall they be continuously refused communicating even if they remarkably display holy lives? These are just questions that should also be given a serious study and evaluation. Indeed, Pope Francis has seen the validity of these arguments, henceforth, creating a body that will re-examine their merits vis-a-vis the Church commandment on marriage. But despite this openness of the Pope to re-examine Catholic practices, many still persecute others on account of their illicit marital status calling them “living in sin”.

This is only the tip of the iceberg as many more religious, cultural and national traditions are stifling. The lesson for all of us is to remain open to dialogue, to be open to change, and to avoid being discriminatory of others who hold separate views from the majority.

- Rex Fortes, CM