mamabishop: Sunday, September 1st, 2024 Proper 17

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Sunday, September 1st, 2024 Proper 17

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Proper 17 - Tradition of the Elders

When the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’ You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.” Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.” For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

For Native people in the United States, following the traditions of our elders is very important. For many generations we were forbidden to participate in our traditional practices and rituals, and they tried to wipe out our languages. My family has been Christian for many generations, long before removal, and have suffered from the exclusion and discrimination of our government. Despite it all, we have a wonderful resurgence of language and practices. What was once called pagan is now included in much of our worship, since we know there is one God, One Creator. Jesus was challenged by those who practiced their traditions outwardly but showed none of the signs of following the commandments of God. Compassion, humility, service, hospitality and honor are central to our tribal traditions as well as to being a Christian.

Wondrous Creator, you made all the nations

blessed us with wisdom keepers and leaders

who teach us the way to live a righteous life

which honors you and cares for all people.