Behind every act

Love should be the heart of everything that we do.

42 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

43 “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.

44 “Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.”

45 One of the experts in the law answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also.”

46 Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.-Luke11:42-46

As I read the Gospel, I was greatly struck by the sentence, "You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone."

The truth is, there is nothing wrong in giving tithes, in seats of honor, greetings in the marketplace, strict observance of the law, disassociation with some people, washing of hand, ritual purification and so forth, provided that these acts are complemented by "justice and the love of God (and neighbor)." The heart of 'giving tithes' is to give thanks to God and return something to Him which are small acts of love. The heart behind 'seats of honor and greetings in the marketplace' is to remind religious leaders of humility - hey, they are not given privileges if they are simple folks with simple profession and trade. Humility should make anyone more respectful of others which is a small act of love. The heart of every law should be love. The law is primarily created so that each person has a guide to live his/her life accordingly. It is not a restriction to

freedom, but a guide for us to use freedom in a good way. It is not a list of Dos and Don'ts, but if one "sees" the meaning behind each law, a person can see that it is love. Example, the law about caring for our environment. It is not a simple guideline about proper waste disposal, caring for nature, conservation, etc. because not everything about environment and nature is listed, but the heart of it is responsible stewardship as caretakers of God's creation. Besides, each person has an inner knowledge of what is hygienic, clean and sanitized. [Unfortunately, some use the law or make laws to advance personal gain, perversion and wickedness.]

The heart of 'disassociation with certain people' is not and never because of prejudice and discrimination, but still of respect and love. We may belong to different religions, race, color, class or status, but we are all creations of God and we are all human beings. As such, we should be loving to others and respect is only one act of love. The heart of 'hand washing and ritual purification' is still love of God. It only means we externally and internally clean ourselves before going to the presence of God, and anything about God. And if we cannot externally clean ourselves, God understands for as long as we are clean internally.

The letter of St. Paul to the Galatians speaks of some ways of externally and internally cleaning ourselves, following the law and at the same time loving God and neighbor,

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry

and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.-Galatians5:18-25

Photo courtesy: Fotosearch, Conservation Volunteers, Enact, Christianshirts, unknown artist