In today’s Gospel, Jesus dares to venture beyond the land of Israel where we have witnessed religious leaders especially mired in stubbornly keeping the “tradition of the elders”. They are so ensnared in the superficiality of the things that are outside of them – how things look – and not focused on the things that are inside them, the things that make clean and unclean.

The power of the Gospels is not limited to providing authoritative accounts of Jesus’ words and actions. Sacred Scripture is God’s Word speaking to us today and summoning us to dare to venture beyond our own comfort and position. Intentional disciples – mature followers of Christ – are missionaries.

We also know Jesus to be much more than a miracle worker. Indeed, Jesus’ miracles never are ends in themselves, but always signs pointing beyond the healing to the very reigning Presence of God’s Kingdom!

Whenever hearts are touched by Jesus’ saving words, God’s reigning Presence breaks forth in wonderfully personal and powerful ways!

• Do we recognize the reigning Presence of God?
• Do we make known God’s reigning Presence?