In today's Gospel reading we see the Pharisee' hypocrisy in substituting God's commandments with their own traditions. In view of this, Jesus made a counter-charge against them by referring to the practice of 'Corban'. 'Corban' is a Semitic word which means an offering or a gift made to God.

However, for the Pharisees 'Corban' refers to a formula or vow of dedication by which a thing is reserved as an offering to God thereby preventing its use by others. This also means that by declaring one's property as 'Corban', one could avoid his filial responsibility towards parents which the law prescribes.

Confronted by such Pharisaic legalism, Jesus found it intolerable. He condemned them and their tradition.

What does it say to us today? Have we fallen into the same trap like the Pharisees who follow 'tradition' and overlook God's commandments? We need to be discerning when faced with a conflicting situation like this.

Let us pray insistently like King Solomon in the first reading for a discerning and honest heart in following God's commandments. Let us experience the inner freedom in obeying God's law which can liberate us from falsehood.