September 1, 2024 - Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Identity and Purity

Here the Gospel passages in Mark focus on inner purity, justice, and inclusivity, rejecting the legalistic or exclusionary interpretations of the times. In the New Testament, the Gospels describe instances where Jesus and his disciples were criticized by some Jewish leaders for not following the traditional handwashing rituals, not only here but in Matthew 15:1-20. 

Pastor Emillie's sermon highlighted how handwashing, among other practices, had become an identity issue, distinguishing those who adhered strictly to Jewish customs from those who did not. For early Christians, this became a point of contention as they sought to define their own identity in relation to Jewish law.

As a result following this tradition becomes a symbol of piety and orthodoxy. Within the Jewish community, the practice of handwashing was a symbol of one's commitment to Jewish law and tradition. Those who adhered to these rituals were often seen as more pious and orthodox, while those who neglected them might be viewed as less devout or even as breaking with Jewish tradition.

Pastor Emillie preached that we need to be mindful that there are temptations to following traditions. There may be good reasons for, let's say, washing your hands which we became more sensitive to during the pandemic. However, if this becomes the litmus test for being "one of us" it is a barrier to hospitality and can lead to oppression or marginalization. We can interpret biblical texts about defilement in their historical and cultural contexts, understanding that many of these concepts were rooted in the specific social, religious, and health concerns of ancient communities. These laws may not be prescriptive for Christians today but can still offer insights into living a life of integrity and compassion.

Jesus said in today's Gospel, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written,

‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
⁷in vain do they worship me,
teaching human precepts as doctrines.’

You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition."

Let's not confuse the commandments of God and human traditions.^"