Gospel of the Day
From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 15:1–2, 10–14
Some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said,
“Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders?
They do not wash their hands when they eat a meal.”
He summoned the crowd and said to them, “Hear and understand.
It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles the man;
but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.”
Then his disciples approached and said to him,
“Do you know that the Pharisees took offense
when they heard what you said?”
He said in reply, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted
will be uprooted.
Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind.
If a blind man leads a blind man,
both will fall into a pit.”
To Be or To Do?
During the three years of His public ministry, Jesus constantly showed us how to live according to God’s will, fulfilling the Law in its fullness. He did not want us merely to do the right things, because everything ultimately depends on what is in the deepest part of our hearts. In today’s Gospel, we see a clear contrast between the Pharisees, who focus on doing, and Jesus, who calls us to being.
How can we, as married couples, teach our children and those around us what love truly is if, in our daily lives, they do not see us genuinely loving one another? We may tell our children not to argue, shout, be selfish, or make fun of one another’s weaknesses. But we must first ask ourselves: What example are we setting as husband and wife? Do we respect one another? Are we generous and helpful? Or do we sometimes make our spouse feel unappreciated, criticise them, lose patience, or focus more on their faults than on their virtues?
We should make a sincere examination of conscience. Are we striving each day to allow our hearts to be transformed by the Gospel, the sacraments, and prayer? Or are we acting like the blind leading the blind—whether our children, relatives, or friends?
How important it is first to be, so that we may then truly do.
The Gospel for today on the Vatican liturgical calendar is Matthew 14:22–36, while the reflection above is based on Matthew 15:1–2, 10–14, as provided in your text.
Applied to Married Life
(Jaime and Lucy are driving home after dinner with friends…)
Lucy: Jaime, I really enjoyed this evening, but I’d like to ask you something. When we’re with our friends, could you be a little gentler with me? Sometimes you’re quite harsh in the way you speak, and some of your jokes make me feel uncomfortable.
Jaime: Oh, darling! Come on, don’t be like that. You know that when I’ve had a couple of drinks, I can become a bit silly.
Lucy: That’s exactly my point. If we’re hoping our friends will draw closer to Jesus—they’ve drifted away a little—it won’t matter what we say if they don’t first see a real change in us: in the way we speak to one another, the way we look at each other, and in the little gestures that show how deeply you truly love me.
Jaime: You’re right, Lucy. I’m really sorry. Sometimes during evenings like this I get carried away by worldly things. My heart isn’t where it should be, and the old man comes out. What do you think about going to Adoration together tomorrow, so we can place our hearts back where they belong?
Lucy: I love that idea! I love you, Jaime!
Prayer
Mother Mary,
Help us always to live as you did, with integrity and consistency, faithfully doing God’s will in every moment of our lives.
Blessed be the Lord!