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TUESDAY, SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Jer 30: 1-2,12-15,18-22\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Ps 102:16-23, 29\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mt 15: 1-2, 10-14<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n TRUE AUTHENTICITY AS RIGHT UNDERSTANDING<\/strong><\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n True authenticity lies in true understanding. In the Gospel we see a particular tension and we see how Jesus confronts this tension which remains deeply relevant for all of us. And what is that tension: the difference between external religious practice and the true condition of the heart. The Pharisees criticize the disciples for not observing ritual hand washing, a tradition meant to express purity before God. Yet Jesus shifts the focus away from appearances and toward what truly matters. He teaches that defilement does not come from what enters a person from outside, but from what emerges from within: one\u2019s attitudes, intentions, words, and actions rooted in the heart.<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n This passage challenges the temptation to reduce faith to customs, routines, or visible correctness. Traditions can be meaningful and valuable, but they lose their purpose when they become more important than compassion, humility, and love. Jesus is not rejecting the law or authentic devotion; rather, he is exposing the danger of a spirituality that looks holy outwardly while neglecting inner conversion. His words invite honest self examination. It is often easier to focus on external behaviors like following rules, maintaining appearances, judging others, than to confront pride, resentment, hypocrisy, or hardness of heart within ourselves. Jesus reminds us that God sees beyond appearances. True holiness begins internally and gradually shapes the way we speak, treat others, and live each day.<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n The image of the \u201cblind leading the blind\u201d is also worth reflecting example. Jesus warns against spiritual leadership that lacks genuine understanding. Leaders who cling rigidly to human traditions without openness to God\u2019s deeper truth can mislead others. This warning applies to anyone whose influence adversely affects others, including our parents, teachers, friends, and even ourselves when we speak without charity. At its heart, this Gospel is a call to authenticity. Do I spend more energy protecting appearances than nurturing a faithful heart?<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n Response: The Lord shall build up Sion, he will appear in all his glory.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n Copyright \u00a92026 \u00a9Springs of Living Water\u00a0 http:\/\/springs.carmelmedia.in<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" TUESDAY, SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME \u00a0 Jer 30: 1-2,12-15,18-22\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Ps 102:16-23, 29\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Mt 15: 1-2, 10-14 \u00a0 TRUE AUTHENTICITY AS RIGHT UNDERSTANDING \u00a0 True authenticity lies in true understanding. In the Gospel we see a particular tension and we see how Jesus confronts this tension which remains … <\/p>\n
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