During the time of Jesus, and even today, tradition plays a big role in society. Some of these traditions are no longer useful. Tradition can sometimes be used as an excuse to do the wrong thing or it can be used to project peoples’ ego and Jesus did not like this. Some places impose restrictions to the type of people that can attend church services due to traditions they have followed for years, is this what Jesus would expect of his disciples? Even the Pharisees focused more on washing hands before eating than being merciful to people. Jesus condemned those who only cared about showing off to people how righteous and religious they were, without having love in their hearts. Rituals lose their value when not done in love. Jesus wants us to change our hearts, to have a deep love of God and to love our neighbours, rather than blindly following a set of rituals and rules. If we are guided by people who are not motivated by love, then we are guided by blind people and we will all fall into a pit one day.

Prayer: Abba Father, we pray that you will change our hearts and fill them with your love so we can truly be your followers. Amen.