Daily Catholic Lectio. Tue, 11 February ’25. Purity and Motherhood

Daily Catholic Lectio

Tue, 11 February ‘25

Fifth Week in Ordinary Time – Tuesday

Genesis 1:20-2:4a. Psalm 8. Mark 7:1-13

Purity and Motherhood

In recent readings of the gospel, we have seen several confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees, particularly regarding the observance of the Sabbath. Today’s Gospel presents another dispute, this time concerning ritual purity.

The Pharisees and scribes see that Jesus’ disciples eat with unwashed hands. Instead of responding directly to their accusation, Jesus redefines the true meaning of purity.

For the Pharisees, purity meant: (a) Following the traditions of their ancestors; (b) An external practice, concerned primarily with outward rituals; and (c) A ritual obligation, performed repeatedly.

For Jesus, however, purity means: (a) Following God’s commandments, not just human traditions; (b) An inner disposition, focused on the heart; and (c) Going beyond mere rituals to true spiritual transformation.

While the Pharisaic understanding of purity had spiritual significance, it also reinforced social divisions. Many of their purity laws created barriers, distinguishing between who was “clean” and who was “unclean.” Even today, our tendency to classify people based on caste, nationality, language, or religion is a modern reflection of the same exclusivist mindset.

Jesus challenges us to purify our hearts and thoughts, just as a clear stream of water flows without impurity.

The Goodness of Creation

In today’s first reading, we complete the first creation account. God creates humanity in His own image and likeness and, at the conclusion of His work, He rests. The passage emphasizes that God saw all that He had made and declared it good—especially humanity, which He called very good. When we choose to see the goodness in all people and all things, we elevate ourselves toward the divine perspective.

Our Lady of Lourdes: A Sign of Purity and Grace

Today, we honour Our Lady of Lourdes, commemorating her apparition to St. Bernadette in the grotto of Massabielle in 1858. During these apparitions, Mary revealed herself as “I am the Immaculate Conception.”

For Mary, her immaculate purity was not just a privilege but a preparation for her motherhood.

Today’s feast reminds us that purity is not only necessary but also possible in our lives.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy