‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.’

Tuesday 5th August, 2008

St Dominic
Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory—Ps 101(102):16-21, 29, 22-23
Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14

Readings: Text

German poet Goethe tells us: ‘Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least’. Jesus, in his encounter with these Pharisees, is not looking to overturn tradition or ritual for the sake of doing so, but asks his disciples to question whether it is of the Father. Jesus is telling us that the work and goodness of God should not be at the mercy of anything else.

God has granted us many things in creation, worship and relationship. But we are always called to discern. Do I engage in those things that matter the least? Things which are not of God?

Lord Jesus, grant me the wisdom to know what is of you, and the courage to challenge that which is not.