Reflection on the Gospel Reading on the 19 January 2011

Mk 3:1-6

There are still some people like the Pharisees, even in church. They may be very well versed in the doctrines and teaching of the Church and even teach people about them but like what Jesus may grieve ‘at their hardness of heart’. They have the knowledge but not allowing their hearts to be transformed. That will explain why some people who seem to be holy preaching and writing well and yet their behaviour does not practise what has been preached. I should say they only have the knowledge at the rational level but may not allow themselves personal experience with God for God to transform their ‘hardened hearts’.


Having the knowledge is the first essential step to know more about God. But, how my spiritual life grows will depend on how open I am in surrendering myself to God for God’s will to be done, especially when what I want may not be God’s will. If I am not careful, I will be acting like the Pharisees where I keep on judging people and accusing others instead of looking inward to see which areas of my life should be improved. I will hurt others, especially when people truly love me and others and yet I may accuse them due to my distorted perception. My focus will be wrong. It is good to be righteous following the laws but not when laws are put above Love, just like “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” I may become harsh on the others with laws and principles when I am called forth to make exceptions in certain situations.

I am very strong in my principles. In order to be right, I may go all out to put things right even at the expense of putting aside all feelings. Over the years, I am not sure how many I have hurt, especially when it comes to matters of heart. The gospel reading has warned me once again to place Love above all principles and laws. If not, I may fall into the danger of being self righteous and arrogant and harsh. My heart may continue to be hardened. No matter what, I should allow the Holy Spirit to guide me and go according to God’s will even if certain things do not make sense to me. Well, Love is never rational. Only by opening myself to the mystery of Love even against my logic, then will I truly be transformed by God instead of me being the person in control.

With Love,
Elena