The Sunday Gospel readings return to Mark's Gospel today. This passage recounts one of the occasions when Jesus took the Pharisees and other experts on the Law to task for putting more emphasis on ceremonial and dietary rules than on the "weightier" requirements of God. It is not outer conformity to the Law but an inner change that brings us into a right relationship with God and with others.

As the people of God we gather to remember what God has done, to remember God's principles for living, and to realign ourselves with God. Out of our relationship with God, re-established in our liturgical and sacramental encounter, comes the power to confront and overcome evil, and the righteousness which draws others to God.