In the Gospel reading we see how Jesus went to the root of the question raised by Scribes and Pharisees in Mk. 7:5 and exposed the true source of defilement.

Jesus affirms that it is not the external things that make one clean or unclean, pure or impure before God. It is from the heart which is the source of all defilement. For Jesus food cannot defile a person. Here Jesus stressed the great significance for the Gentile converts to Christianity in the early Christian Community.

The list of vices (7:21-22) emphasise that defilement can only come from within - the heart - for out of the hearts of human beings spring all kinds of vices which affect day-to-day human relationships. In short, Jesus meant that what made a person clean or unclean is what the person thinks and does in relationship with others.

For us as followers of Jesus, we are to observe traditions provided they reflect Gospel values such as justice, equality and love. We know that Jesus' vision affirms the basic goodness of all creation (Mk.7:15). So, uncleanness refers to those contrary to the Gospel values. We are also challenged to see if our practices and traditions are gospel values or otherwise. How do we look at people? Do we have the tendency to judge or 'label' others according to our standards or values?