From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (Jan/Feb/Mar 2026)

St. Scholastica

1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 + Psalms 84:3-5 + Mark 7:1-13

Let Go of Superstitions

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition. Mark 7:8

The Pharisees complained to Jesus that his apostles neglected to perform certain purifications of their cup, jugs and kettles. In reply, Jesus instructed the Pharisees about establishing their priorities. The most important values are to live according to God’s commandments rather than clinging to human tradition. Today, we have many traditions or habits that are beneficial, but not all. Some of these can weaken or negate basic Christian faith. For example, how many superstitions do we think will give us good or bad luck rather than simply trusting God’s will for us? These falsehoods are not in sync with Christian teachings.

As a child, I opened an umbrella in our kitchen, and my grandmother loudly said, “Close that because it’s bad luck!” Why do we think or act like the number 13 will bring us misfortune? Does carrying a rabbit’s foot mean good luck? No, certainly not for the rabbit. The real good luck – the best way – is found in living the Commandments.

□ Fr. James McKarns