Tuesday of Week 5 in Ordinary Time
Saint Scholastica, Virgin
First Reading
1 Kings 8:22–23, 27–30
Solomon prays at the Temple dedication, recognising God cannot be contained by structures yet hears the sincere prayers of his people.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 83(84):3–5, 10–11
A longing for God’s dwelling place, celebrating the blessing of living close to the Lord.
Gospel
Mark 7:1–13
Jesus challenges religious leaders who prioritise tradition over God’s commandment, calling for authenticity of heart rather than outward compliance alone.
Reflection
Solomon’s prayer highlights God’s transcendence yet nearness — a mystery the Catechism describes as God both beyond creation and intimately present to humanity (CCC 300–301). Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel reinforces that true worship flows from the heart, not merely external observance (CCC 1430).
Saint Scholastica’s life of prayer reflects this interior devotion: a faith centred on relationship with God rather than external form alone. The readings invite believers to examine whether habits lead to deeper love of God or risk becoming routine.
Authentic faith integrates prayer, obedience, and interior transformation — not performance but genuine communion.
One line to carry today
Let faith shape the heart, not just the habits.
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