10th February, WednesdayI. Gen 2: 4b-9, 15-17
II. Mk 7: 14-23
Theme: God’s Providence
The readings speak about God’s providence and what sort of response should flow from our part. The First Reading gives a second story of creation, beginning with the creation of Adam and the command for him to enjoy the garden, but to refrain from the tree of knowledge of Good and evil. The Gospel relates Jesus’ teaching on the source of sin, not from eating but from choices of the heart. As Jesus explained to His disciples, the negative movement of the heart leads to all sorts of sins. Our attitude and thoughts lead us into sinful actions.
What ruins that image and likeness of God in us is not the eating the food which God has been provided, but going against the Ruah (Spirit) which God has breathed into our very being. What we are called to do is reflect more on that ruah and be grateful for the life which God has given us and grateful for all the ways God sustains us by providing for our well-being. Let us focus on God’s providence in particular as we pray the Psalm verses of today: “All creatures look to You to give them food in due time. When You give it to them, they gather it; when You open Your hand, they are filled with Good things. If You take away their breath (ruah), they perish and return to their dust. When You send forth Your Spirit (Ruah), they are created, and You renew the face of the earth.”
Bro Santhosh Prabhu SMM
III BTh