1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; Psalm 84; Mark 7: 1-13
Jesus notices how religious authorities can twist tradition to suit their needs, “teaching human precepts as doctrines,” while their hearts are far from God. Solomon (who later will turn out to be an oppressive tyrant) prays, exulting that there is no God like ours, who “keeps covenant and faithful love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart.” Heart is also the theme of the psalm: “My heart and my flesh cry out for joy,” and the Alleluia verse prays: “Turn my heart to do your will, O God.” Today we might begin a long range preparation for Lent, beginning February 22 this year.
Show Jesus your heart, its loves, its fears, all its desires. What do you need him to do with your heart during this Lent? What grace will you ask for this Lent? Why is this Lent different from all other Lents (to paraphrase the Passover question)? What do you want to be different? Tell him.
We offer you our hearts, Lord Jesus. Bring them, faithful and compassionate high priest, to God so that God’s will for shalom may be done through our whole-hearted response to you.