Tuesday: 12 February, 2013 –– 5th Week in Ordinary Time
Genesis 1:20–2:4a / Mark 7:1–13
False Formulas
We like to be in control. Control gives a sense of security.
There is a human drive for control that is twisted –– it is self-oriented. It is rooted in the first temptation that offered independence from God. Ever since then we all want the feeling of being in control. We buy into (usually) unconscious formulas that seem to offer the control we seek.
Knowledge gives control, so we try to figure everything out –– even things that belong only to God. Too often people mistake trying to know about God to knowing God.
Some people try to use the Creation story that way, with the Bible offering a formula for understanding intricacies of origins. It’s hard for us to let God be God.
Some have tried to use God’s laws as formulas. Instead of seeking to know God and to love him more, God’s laws become measuring sticks people use to exalt themselves and control others. We can be deceived, thinking this is the way to secure ourselves instead of loving God with all our heart, mind soul, and strength.... and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Jesus quotes God’s words through Isaiah:
This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.
False formulas.
No comments:
Post a Comment