Matthew Chapter 15
Christ reproves the Scribes. He cures the daughter of the woman of Canaan: and many others: and feeds four thousand with seven loaves.
15:1. Then came to him from Jerusalem scribes and Pharisees, saying:
15:2. Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the ancients? For they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
15:3. But he answering, said to them: Why do you also transgress the commandment of God for your tradition? For God said:
15:4. Honour thy father and mother: And: He that shall curse father or mother, let him die the death.
15:5. But you say: Whosoever shall say to father or mother, The gift whatsoever proceedeth from me, shall profit thee.
The gift, etc... That is, the offering that I shall make to God, shall be instead of that which should be expended for thy profit. This tradition of the Pharisees was calculated to enrich themselves; by exempting children from giving any further assistance to their parents, if they once offered to the temple and the priests, that which should have been the support of their parents. But this was a violation of the law of God, and of nature, which our Saviour here condemns.
15:6. And he shall not honour his father or his mother: and you have made void the commandment of God for your tradition.
15:7. Hypocrites, well hath Isaias prophesied of you, saying: