Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 6:1-6, 16-18

Every religious practice is to build the right relationship: with God, with the other and with oneself. Fasting, alms-giving and prayer are the pious practices of Judaic religion and they were to build right relationship. Fasting stands for one’s relationship within oneself. Alms-giving represents one’s relationship with the other. Prayer speaks for one’s relationship with God.

“O man, he has told you what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” (Mic 6:8). This verse also speaks of the three relationships. Probably Jesus had this verse at the back of his mind when he spoke of the religious practices.

பக்தி முயற்சிகள் எல்லா மதங்களிலும் உண்டு. அடிப்படையில் அவைகள் உறவை வளர்ப்பதற்கே. இறைவனோடு கொண்டுள்ள உறவு (ஜெபம்)> மனிதனோடு கொண்டுள்ள உறவு (உதவுதல்)> தன்னோடு கொண்டுள்ள உறவு (நோன்பு) ஆகிய மூன்றும் அடிப்படையானவை.

GOSPEL READING: MARK 7:1-13

In every religion there were principles, dogmas, pious practices and rules. Principles like love of the neighbour, respect for life were all God given and there were true for anyone; at anytime; and anywhere. They were almost eternal. But there were also rules like cleaning the utensils which were man made rules for religion.

Pharisees were so much worried about keeping the rules that were made by men and they were ready even to neglect the principles of God. Love and care of the parents was God given through Moses. Pharisees were ready to forgo that for the sake of offering which was made by man.

கோட்பாடுகள்> ஒழுங்குகள்> சட்டங்கள் என்று பல உள்ளன. இறைவன் தந்த கொள்கைகள் எக்காலத்திலும்> எவ்விடத்திலும்> எல்லாருக்கும் பொருந்தும். மனிதன் உருவாக்கும் ஒழுங்குகள் காலத்திற்கு உட்பட்டவைகள். மனிதன். முதன் முதலில் கடவுளுக்கும் கடவுள் சார்ந்தவைகளுக்கும் உட்பட்டவன்.