Memories of Ivory soap

Young children enjoy, at least once, using words that shock their mother or other adults, and choosing to use the word in the most unwelcoming of places, like church or a gathering or school. Mothers have a long reputation of reacting to these events in a most excitable manner.

We forget the basic rule of parenting, “Keep it simple stupid,” and go off, getting flustered, embarrassed or outraged.

The easiest course is to ask the child if the child knows what the word means — generally not — and then instruct the child that it is not a word to be used in public. There are many who remember the flavor of Ivory soap, to which they were introduced, for their trouble, which only reinforced the desire to find other words and other ways to be outrageous.

We try to teach our children that just because they have heard or seen something does not make it acceptable for mass distribution, nor should their goal in life be to try to illicit a response from everyone. There is nothing that kills intention more than a lack of response.

This Sunday’s Gospel lesson will give some children great delight and some mothers great consternation if they focus only on one element of it. In Sunday’s Gospel lesson (Mk. 7) an encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees is recounted.

The Pharisees observe the Disciples not washing their hands before eating – destined to inspire children and irk mothers. Jewish law requires ritualistic hand washing before eating and the washing of substances to be consumed.

Most mothers require hand washing, ritualistic or not, before eating and at least the rinsing of produce before consumption. The principles of sanitation have not changed in thousands of years.

Jesus, rather than responding to the Pharisees’ stated issue, takes it to a higher level, realizing that it is not the violation of the ritual washing per se that is at issue, but rather the use of ritual to cover up a major flaw.

When one is consumed with an outward behavior, it is easier for one to overlook or ignore that which is of greater consequence. Jesus makes this point referring back to the prophecies of Isaiah. (Isa. 29) What we say may not accurately reflect the feelings in our heart. Every time we laugh at a racial, ethnic, sexist or discriminatory comment or joke, it gives credence to what was said and may not reflect our true beliefs other that our desire to fit in. It never reflects The Lord’s love and regard for all people.

We would all do well in this political climate to reflect on our choice of conversation, our choice of interaction.

The air waves are full of racist, sexist, ethnic and discriminatory rhetoric that becomes fodder for water coolers and coffee shops.

Do we really believe it, or is this just a way to show our heightened sense of entitlement?

Jesus is focused on the important issue being what is in our hearts and spirits rather than some outward, mindless ritual. What do we believe and in believing how do we live?

It is not enough to think that we do not believe the latest political rhetoric, we must do that which is right and honorable and loving. It is not about what satisfies our momentary wants but what serves The Kingdom, if we desire to be a part of the eternal kingdom.

St. Paul tells us in his letter to the church at Philippi that we are to focus on what is true and pure and admirable, excellent, praiseworthy and right. (Phil. 4)

When we are tempted to say or do something that is not as Jesus would have it, we would all do well to remember the Ivory soap if not remembering Who we represent.