Daily Gospel Reflection
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February 6, 2024
When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem
gathered around Jesus,
they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals
with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands.
(For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews,
do not eat without carefully washing their hands,
keeping the tradition of the elders.
And on coming from the marketplace
they do not eat without purifying themselves.
And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed,
the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.)
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him,
“Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders
but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?”
He responded,
“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.
You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.”
He went on to say,
“How well you have set aside the commandment of God
in order to uphold your tradition!
For Moses said,
Honor your father and your mother,
and Whoever curses father or mother shall die.
Yet you say,
‘If someone says to father or mother,
“Any support you might have had from me is qorban”‘
(meaning, dedicated to God),
you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother.
You nullify the word of God
in favor of your tradition that you have handed on.
And you do many such things.”
When the Pharisees approached Jesus, they were excited. They had, in fact, traveled long and far to see him. They were likely overwhelmed with enthusiasm, nervousness, and high expectations.
Most of us have similar expectations as we plan for an anticipated experience, such as meeting our favorite author, attending an event, or meeting a leader we admire. We become disappointed, frustrated, and cranky when outcomes do not match our expectations.
This may be what the Pharisees experienced when they saw the disciples eating with unwashed hands. It wasn’t what they anticipated, felt appropriate, or expected. Yet Jesus’ reaction is precisely what we hope for in admired leaders. He isn’t perfect, nor does he expect perfection. Rather, he looks beyond superficial and exterior behaviors and sees people’s hearts.
Admired leaders know that the burden of perfection is too heavy for anyone. Rather than following prescribed rules because we know that others will see us acting in a way that people expect, admired leaders silently and imperfectly illustrate attributes such as love, kindness, empathy, and humility.
I wonder how often acts of love and kindness are right in front of our eyes, but we are so distracted by minor disappointments that we don’t allow ourselves to embrace others and God fully.
As we approach this Lenten season, I invite us to avoid simply doing what we feel others expect, and that presumably makes us appear more Christian. Instead, may we silently and prayerfully look for God’s presence in our lives. May we remember Jesus’ kindness toward the disciples and extend charity as often as we can. In these quiet moments, we will not only believe in Jesus but act in a way that embodies his patience, kindness, and love.
Prayer
God, bring our hearts close to you. There is much in this world that makes us feel steady and in control, but we know that ultimately our strength will fail and our grasp on the things in our lives will not stand the test of time. Only you, Lord, are unmoving, solid and sure. And yet, you give us an example that is flexible and open, a witness that loves through thick and thin and will not become calcified or rigid. Soften our hearts to love in that way and bring our hearts close to you. Amen.
Saint of the Day

In the 1540s, St. Francis Xavier introduced Christianity to people in Japan. A generation later, Paul Miki was born and raised in the faith, one of the first fruits of the seeds planted by the great Jesuit missionary.
By the 1580s, there were more than 200,000 converts to Christianity in Japan, and the Japanese emperor felt threatened by the new religion. He banished Catholics in 1587, but the Jesuits who continued to serve the faithful there went into hiding and worked in secret.
Paul was born the son of a Japanese military leader and educated by these Jesuits. He wanted to become a priest and began studies. Just before his ordination, the emperor began violently persecuting Christians. Despite this, Paul decided to continue his ministry and was known for his eloquent and intelligent preaching.
Under this persecution, Paul and 25 other men and boys—Jesuits, Franciscans, and lay people—were arrested and condemned to execution. They were forcibly marched 600 miles throughout Japan so as to be an example to other people. Villagers abused them as they passed by, but the Christians sang the Te Deum, an early Christian hymn of praise.
By the time the group entered Kyoto, their ears had been severed and blood streamed down their necks. The sight of these suffering Christians inspired sadness and compassion among the witnesses, many of whom were moved to become Christians themselves. The Christians were then taken to a hill near Nagasaki and tied to crosses. Executioners killed the martyrs by stabbing them in the stomachs with swords.
As he was awaiting death, Paul said, “The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason that I die. I believe that I am telling the truth before I die. I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you become happy. I obey Christ. After Christ's example, I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.”
Indeed it did. St. Paul Miki and his companions were the first martyrs of Japan, and their example sustained the Christian community there with courage, even as it survived underground for 300 years. The story of St. Paul Miki’s martyrdom and his image are used by high school students who come to campus for a summer conference with the Notre Dame Vision program.
St. Paul Miki and Companions, martyrs whose example encouraged Christians in Japan—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Paul Miki is an illustration by Julie Lonneman, who holds exclusive rights to the further distribution and publication of her art. Used with permission.