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"Blessed Are The Merciful"

 

Law or Love
It is in the practice of love
that the fulness of the Law is attained.

 
Reflection on Luke 11:37-41

In Tuesday’s Gospel, we again find Jesus with the Pharisees.

After Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to dine at his house.  Jesus went and sat down at the table without first washing his hands. 

The Pharisee saw this and was surprised at Jesus’ disregard for the requirements of the Law.  At the time, to wash one’s hands before eating was a religious obligation. Not to do so, was a great offense, particularly to the Pharisees who strictly observed the Law.

The Pharisees dedicated eight hours a day to the study of the Law, another eight hours to work in order to sustain themselves, and the remaining eight hours to rest.  Such discipline earned the Pharisees the respect and admiration of many. 

This makes Jesus’ rebuke, “You Pharisees, you clean the outside of the cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness", even more shocking -- not only to the Pharisees but to the wider Jewish community.

The Pharisees observed the Law literally, but by only looking at the letter of the Law. They were incapable of perceiving the spirit of the Law -- the real objective that the Law was intended to achieve in the life a person.

Rather than fuss about strict outward observances, Jesus reminds the Pharisees that they should focus on what is truly important: the state of inner selves -- their souls.  The state of one’s inner self is not to be found in the performance of rituals but in manifestations of one’s love for God and neighbour, such as the giving of alms. 

It is in the practice of love that the fulness of the Law is attained.

Norman+

 

 

 

Art Work: 
"Blessed Are The Merciful"
D. Houston, Fabric Art