February 8, 2022, Tuesday of the 5th week in Ordinary Time-C
1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30
Psalm 84
Mark 7:1-13
“This people honors me with their lips but their hearts are far from me.” Mark 7:6
Lord, you immediately spotted the hypocrisy of those who questioned you about your disciples’ faithfulness to traditions. You saw into the hearts of the religious authorities and found emptiness. They had substituted blind obedience to human traditions for a heart dedicated to God. They had settled for elaborate rituals and practices other than a relationship with the Father. We too can fool ourselves that we are faithful people because of what we say or do. We can become spiritual robots who do the right things, say the right prayers but have not taken the next step of surrendering to you. We can try to bend God’s will into our will, God’s agenda to my agenda. Lord, I believe you want a full and personal love affair with me. I believe you desire all of me, not just those parts I’m willing to give you. I want to honor you with my lips and my heart. I’m sorry for the Pharisee within me. Guide me to open my heart to you more completely. Empty my heart of anything that is not your will. Come close dear Jesus and fill me up. Let me be your servant today and always. Amen.