This gospel reflection is based on Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23.
Things of Man
To so many rules, customs and ways do I cling As I move from day to day and blindly follow Ways, rules and habits they bring Yet in fear strive to remain in step with the law
Yet these Jesus people act apart They neither eat nor drink nor wash themselves as taught They do not follow all the rules of old But do things and go a new way, apart from law
Such things no man should do or say, we’re taught Yet these followers do the forbidden and do not hide Against all elder authority and teachers warning They go in a brave, new and separate way
Scandalously flaunting ancient rule and law Dining with the unclean and doing the forbidden They follow a newer, better way they say Taught by this Jesus who leads them
Yet these men are happy and free and love each other These men follow this Jesus against the old ways These men do not hide and are full of joy In the light of day they flaunt the old and live the new
Their lives free from ancient restraint and rule And both joy and love seem to fill their hearts Old burdens gone and new freedoms found True peace seems to be theirs
These new ways have freed them to love Not just to live in fear and scrutiny This new way has brought them not condemnation Instead has filled them with spirit and truth
Oh that I too could join them in their belief Oh that I too could be unburdened of the yolk I bear Oh too do I long to walk in this new way And follow this Son of the Father
Dear Jesus help me to unburden myself Of things of man that obscure my view of you Of things of man that divert my spirit from truth Of things of man that pull my focus away from you