WORD 2day: Tuesday, 5th week in Ordinary time
February 10, 2026 - 1 Kings 8: 22-23,27-30; Mark 7: 1-13
Still keeping with the theme of yesterday, the first reading presents to us Solomon who brings to light the relationship that lies between the absolute importance of the temple and the folly of limiting God's presence to the temple. They are two elements of a devotion that is matured, worthy of being called an adult faith.
Jesus speaks of the same too, but from a different perspective. He brings out a contrast between an external expression and an internal disposition: here we are not looking at mutually exclusive choices to be made but a mature balance to be achieved.
External expressions without deep internal dispositions will turn into mere ritualism and legalism; while mere internal dispositions without right external expression will lead to a cold individualism which is totally 'unchristian'! Very shortly we shall be stepping into the season of Lent - a noted time for expressions of piety and spiritual manifestations. We run the risk of turning all these into empty practices, if they are not really accompanied by a transformed internal disposition of humility, hospitality and holiness.
Let our internal disposition be challenged and transformed on a daily basis towards a continuous maturity that leads to a meaningful living of our faith.