Luke 11:42 “in a snailshell”
Wednesday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang
What’s the recipe for heavenly herbal tea?
“Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others.”
Luke 11:42
The Goal of Tithing
In this scorching woe to the Pharisees, Jesus exposes the legalism that corrupted the original devotion of tithing begun by Abraham (Genesis 14:20). When the father of the Hebrews gave Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, a “tenth of everything,” he offered a heart full of gratitude and love for divine provision. Codifying this model into Mosaic law, the Israelites adopted the obligation of tithing their grain, fruit, and livestock, which “belong to the Lord” (Leviticus 27:30). Their offerings supported the Levitical priesthood, liturgical festivals, and the poor. The goal of tithing, like all religious observances, is the love of God and neighbor.
Heavenly Herbal Tea
Interpreting the law of Moses with scrupulosity, the Pharisees calculated one-tenth of even the tiniest kitchen herbs. The law itself does not mention herbs in the produce tithe. Legalists added extra burdens with their punctilious annotations.
Instead of seed counting, the Pharisees needed God to expand their hearts. Since God is love, love is the end of the law (1 John 4:8).
“You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
Want to offer God a cup of herbal tea?
Serve him a heart steeped in love and mercy.
Dear GMC, Your reflection is a treasure beyond measure, reminding us of all important things, Including judgment. Less we forget.Thank you, GMC, for keeping it real.
Tea leaves talk, so say some.
Better yet, brew a cup,
Find a sacred space,
Talk to God who’s awesome!
A cup of hot-brewed peppermint tea
With love delights divine company.