In today’s readings, we see and hear a lot about rules. Moses tells the people they must follow the laws if they expect to get to the promised lands. (Dt. 4:1-2, 6-8). The psalmist (Psalm 15: 2-5) lays out a series of expectations of how people are to live to be in God’s presence. James also gives instructions for living, (James1:17-18, 21b-22,27.) But then, in Mark (7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23), Jesus’s disciples aren’t following the traditions of the people, yet having heard the many stories, we know that the disciples were good people.
Could it be that the laws and traditions aren’t as important as what is in our hearts? Could it be that a not very good person might follow all of the rules, while a compassionate person might miss some? Could it be that this is the meaning of James’ comment that we are to be “doers of the word”, rather than only hearing the words and going through the actions?
Could it be?