💖 HOMILY - FEBRUARY 11💖

First Reading - Genesis 1:20-2:4 

Gospel - Mark 7:1-13

Life is full of routines and traditions. From the moment we wake up, we follow a certain order—whether it’s how we prepare for the day, how we eat, or even how we interact with others. Traditions help us stay organized and give meaning to our experiences. However, there is a danger when traditions become more important than the heart behind them. Today’s readings invite us to reflect on what truly matters in our relationship with God: Is it just about external practices, or is it about a deep, authentic connection with Him?  

The first reading from Genesis presents us with the final stages of creation. God fills the waters with fish, the skies with birds, and the earth with all living creatures. But His greatest masterpiece is humanity—created in His image and likeness. Unlike all other creatures, humans are given the special task of caring for creation and living in communion with God. After completing His work, God blesses the seventh day and rests, showing us that life is not just about work but also about resting in His presence. Everything is designed to reflect His wisdom and goodness.  

But as time passes, humanity often loses sight of God’s perfect design. This is what we see in today’s Gospel. The Pharisees and scribes criticize Jesus’ disciples for not following traditional rituals of washing their hands before eating. These traditions were not bad in themselves, but the problem was that the Pharisees had made them more important than the true essence of faith. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy by quoting Isaiah: “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Their focus was on external cleanliness, but their hearts remained distant from God.  

Dear friends, the readings challenge us to examine our own faith. Are we truly living in a relationship with God, or are we simply following routines without meaning? Just like the Pharisees, we can sometimes focus too much on appearances—praying without true devotion, attending religious activities without real love for God, or following rules without understanding their purpose. Jesus reminds us that what truly matters is the heart. Faith is not just about religious practices; it is about living in love, truth, and sincerity before God.  

At the same time, we must not reject all traditions. When practiced with the right intention, traditions can help us grow in faith. Prayer, fasting, acts of charity, and the sacraments are all important, but they must lead us closer to God, not become empty rituals. We must constantly ask ourselves: Is my faith alive, or am I just going through the motions?  

God created us for a deep, loving relationship with Him. He does not just want our words or actions—He wants our hearts. Today, let us take a moment to reflect on our faith. Let us move beyond empty traditions and embrace a sincere and living relationship with God. May our worship, our prayers, and our actions flow from a heart that truly seeks Him. And just as God rested on the seventh day, may we also find rest in His presence, drawing closer to Him with hearts full of love and sincerity.