Wednesday, February 18
Liturgical Color: Violet
Blessed John Pibush died on this day in
1601. He was a missionary priest in
England during a time of great
persecution. Entering the priesthood was
considered an act of treason. John was
imprisoned and killed for his faith.
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1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, 2 "Why do your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat." 3 He answered them, "And why do you transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, Honor your father and your mother,' and, He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him surely die.' 5 But you say, If any one tells his father or his mother, What you would have gained from me is given to God,o he need not honor his father.' 6 So, for the sake of your tradition, you have made void the word of God. 7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
8 This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 9 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' "
Is given to God: The Pharisees sometimes withheld financial support from parents in order to donate money to the Temple. This tradition of dedication was probably enforced by a vow, and money offered to the Temple could not be repossessed. While the practice of Temple donations appeared pious, its practical effect marginalized God's commandment to honor one's parents (15:4; Ex 20:12).