Do the rituals of the Church also cleanse your heart? - Daily Reflections February 11,2014

HOLY BATH

 

Filipinos are fond of naming their babies after saints whose feasts fall on the day their child is born, or after a personality who has created an impact at a particular time. No wonder many babies nowadays are named Francis, Francesco, Frances or Francesca to honor the papacy of Francis, who has conquered the hearts of the people with his simplicity and love for the poor.

       Girls born on February 2 are named Candelaria (nicknamed Candy). Those born on December 8 are named Concepcion. Chances are those who celebrate their birthdays today, February 11, are named Lourdes. But what if it’s a boy? What would his name be? I suggest, “Grotto.”

       I love Lourdes. It’s a healing place. The presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary is felt in every nook and corner of the magnificent basilica and the grotto. The Lord’s anointing is palpable in the religious processions and solemn celebration of the Eucharist. And there’s a ritual in Lourdes a pilgrim should not do without: the immersion of one’s body at the “holy bath.” Never mind if the water is as cold as ice; you hardly feel it anyway. It’s more than just a physical bath; it transforms the heart and the soul.

       The Lord speaks about the hypocrisy of Pharisees in the Gospel when they asked why His disciples do not follow the tradition of washing their hands before eating a meal. We can only wonder why it happened. We can only surmise that they may have been tired from their endless journeys and missions and were really hungry, or there was simply no water at that time.

       Jesus is not against rituals but He is against their hypocrisy. They do every purification rite but fail to purify their hearts. They pretend to obey the traditions of their elders but fail to honor God as they pay Him mere lip service. Just as how one pilgrim puts it after a holy bath in Lourdes, “I feel light. I feel great. I believe I’m healed.” In reality, it made him a better person — a more loving and caring Christian. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Amen. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do the rituals of the Church also cleanse your heart?

 

Lord Jesus, heal me of my hypcocrisy.