Traditionally Speaking (Mk 7:1-13) by Paul Westendorf

09 Feb Traditionally Speaking (Mk 7:1-13) by Paul Westendorf

“…they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the traditions of the elders?” ~ Mk 7:1-13 (full readings)

Paul’s Reflections: Granted I grew up in the era of the disco ball and like music, but I also listened to other music. One particular musician that comes to mind is Hank Williams Jr. and his song Family Tradition. Hank Jr. did not have the childhood his friends had. Instead he grew up singing his father’s songs. He sang them for years until it almost killed him. Clearly “traditions” can be dangerous. Jesus speaks of the dangers of traditions in today’s gospel. “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.” It is easy to go through such rituals with your mind on other things or to do them to impress others. In the Catholic Mass there is a moment where we shake each other’s hand and say “Peace be with you.” But then you get to the parking lot after mass and see a fair amount of ‘every man for himself’ in the dash out. Some traditions actually try to make the word of God void. On the contrary, there are also traditions that are based on the word of God that enhance and strengthen our relationship with Him. One of our LIFE Runners cheers is based on the words of Jesus, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” LIFE Runners love to cheer “God first, Life always, Teammates forever!”  May God’s peace and protection be with you all.
* Paul Westendorf is Membership Director of the National LIFE Runners Team. He is married to Jacquie and lives in Sioux Falls, SD.  Full bio.

Faith Challenge: St. Jerome Emiliani is the patron of orphans and abandoned children. Join me in prayer for the children and the mothers who feel abandoned and vulnerable as we start to run/walk our A-Cross America Relay tomorrow.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day: St. Jerome Emiliani.
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Faith Quote: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” ~ 2 Tim 1:7 
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All In Christ for Pro-Life,
Paul
Jer 1:5