We are all creatures of habit. As schools return, households welcome the return of routine, and some shape to their family day. Somehow life is simplified and more comfortable. Church is little different. Many of you read this at the same Mass, seated in the same pew, maybe even with more or less the same people. We become so accustomed to doing things the same way, that any change becomes a threat.

Ideally tradition, as Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof" put it, should tell us "who God is and who we are." It's meant to point to a reality, not become a fossilised reality in itself. The ancient Jewish twice-over hand washing with special designated water; first pouring water over the hands with fingers up, then with fingers down, had little to do with hygiene. It was a ceremonial washing. The heart of Christianity is the heart. When tradition becomes more important than what it represents, rite can be wrong.

We shouldn't laugh. We all follow laws and forget the reason behind them. Even though our first reading tells us "teach and observe (laws).that you may have life." Just imagine if police stopped you to thank you for not speeding and thus improving road safety, or a litter warden for dumping your rubbish in a litter bin. The saying "cleanliness is next to godliness" refers as much to clean hearts as a clean living space.

(Comments to Tom at stmarysrcathlone@oceanfree.net )