GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Tradition and Purity: Mk 7,1-23
We can begin by reading through these verses in order to note the different audiences addressed by Jesus. These audiences will be our guide to our reading.
Note how the chapter begins with the evangelist setting up the theme. This introduces the question the Pharisees ask Jesus in verse 5. This is followed the reply of Jesus to the Pharisees, 7,6-13; we can see how his theme develops in two stages. What one word dominates Jesus' discussion with the Pharisees in verses 1-13? Does this give an answer to their question in verse 5?
Now have a look at my response.
Introduction and challenge: 7,1-5
The Pharisees made their previous appearance in the controversies from 2,16 to 3,6. We can see that the topic in 2,16 is similar to the present issue. What is the importance of the scribes coming from Jerusalem and Jerusalem's place in the gospel story?
Verses 2 to 4 then speak of Jewish behaviour which the evangelist needs to explain to his readers. Look at Mt 15,1-3. The background is Exodus 30,17-21; to whom do these verses apply? What do you think might have happened since they were written?
Look ahead and see how this prepares for the episode that follows (7,24-30).
Verse 3 then makes the first reference to tradition. See also Acts 15,10.
The challenge by the Pharisees in verse 5 then brings this introduction to its conclusion. What is not said here (8,11, for example)?
Now have a look at my response.
Tradition: a Double Response: 7,6-13
Jesus picks up that key word "tradition" in the Pharisees' challenge. He responds to them by quoting Is 29,13 in verses 6-7. Compare a variety of translations, though there is a line you won't find in the quotation. What is meant by "prophesy" in verse 6? What is meant by "hypocrite"? A conclusion follows in verse 8. See verse 13.
In verse 9, Jesus repeats this conclusion in stronger terms. Note the contrast between God and the pronoun before "tradition".
In verse 10 Jesus now applies this to a specific application. The importance of caring for parents is seen in Sirach 3,12-16. Note the last verse. Jesus quotes from the 10 commandments (Ex 20,12, Dt 5,16) and also Exodus 21,17 (see also Lev 20,9).
Verse 11 begins with an emphatic "you" which is not obvious in English. Jesus then refers to the custom of dedication called korban. This refers to an offering or gift devoted to God. See Numbers 30,2 and Dt 23,21-23. What is the result in verse 12?
What does Jesus conclude in verse 13 when he makes his views clear to the Pharisees? See 2,27. Note the emphasis at the end.
Look again at my response.
Purity - Crowds and Disciples: 7,14-23
Verse 16 is usually omitted because it is regarded as a scribal addition found only in some manuscripts (taken from 4,9).
It's unusual for Jesus to summon the crowds (8,34). The command "listen and understand" in verse 14 recalls 4,12 and the quotation from Isaiah there. See also Dt 6,4.
Verse 15 is all Jesus says to the crowds. Have a look at Leviticus 11. How does it apply here?
By verse 17, there is a change of audience to the disciples and from public to private. This is the climax of Jesus' teaching for which his words to the scribes and Pharisees and then to the crowd have been a preparation. We can take it the disciples have been present throughout as indicated by verse 2.
We can compare verse 17 with 4,10
Then we can compare verse 18 with 6,52 and it can also be compared by looking forward - 8,21 for example.
Verses 17-19 what do you make of the reaction of the disciples in light of 4,10; 6,52?
Verses 20-23: Note how these verses are bracketed in verses 20 and 23. There are several of these lists in the New Testament. See for example the letter to the Galatians 5,19-21.
Now go to my response for these verses.
The Sunday Gospel
The Gospel for the 22nd Sunday of the Year is formed of extracts from 7,1-23, taking verses 1-8, 14-15, 21-23. Look the verses which have been omitted. Does anything strike you about why these verses might have been removed? Can you spot the editorial slip?
Then have a look at the Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 4,1-2.6-8. Again, why do you think several verses have been omitted? How does this reading form a background to our reading of the Gospel?
This Sunday is also one of the few occasions when a complete psalm (except for two lines) is used as the responsorial psalm. (Though it seems that the American lectionary omits the first verse; that just takes away the whole point of the psalm.) How does the use of Psalm 14 (15 in most Bibles) support the reading from Deuteronomy and the theme of the Gospel?
Now have a look at my response.
We are now ready for Jesus' journey to Tyre, 7,24-30.