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In order to understand the response of Jesus in today's gospel, it helps to put the gospel in its context. That is to say, what else has been going on in the fifteenth chapter of Matthew's gospel? it begins with a question from the pharisees about why the disciples don't wash their hands before eating. This is not about hygiene, but about ritual purity. But being overly concerned about external observance rather than internal conversion misses the point.
Homily given at Holy Angels Parish, Wood River, Illinois. Readings for today. Listen to our other homilies.
The external should lead to the internal
In order to understand the response of Jesus in today’s gospel, it helps to put the gospel in its context. That is to say, what else has been going on in the fifteenth chapter of Matthew’s gospel? it begins with a question from the pharisees about why the disciples don’t wash their hands before eating. This is not about hygiene, but about ritual purity. But being overly concerned about external observance rather than internal conversion misses the point.
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