9 February 2021
Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
We are born into an incredibly complex world with a long history. We learn from early on, in ways direct and indirect, that there are certain ways of doing things. These are the traditions that are passed down to us from previous generations. It is very easy to think that this is the way things have always been, but we know that there is a beginning, a reason behind everything.
Today’s first reading from Genesis addresses the very beginning. We were made by a God of love who deemed us “very good.” But as we know all too well, death and corruption entered our world and damaged our original goodness. Yet God in his mercy, sent his only begotten son to save us from our sin and iniquity.
In today’s gospel, Jesus warns us of those instances in which human precepts can get in the way of the Word of God. Because of the fall, we as a human race are susceptible to error, and sometimes even the most well-intentioned traditions can devolve into those that oppress and hinder Love and Truth. We must be a people of discernment. Starting with our very own family traditions, asking for God’s eyes of mercy, compassion and understanding, we can ask to see what promotes Love and Truth and what might be limiting us? What helps us see and reach our human goodness and what does not?
Christ, be our light.