Memorial of Saint
Scholastica, virgin
(Genesis 1-20-2:4a; Mark 7:1-13)
The vegan diet is becoming increasingly popular. It consists of a well-rounded selection of only
vegetable products which means no animal flesh, milk or eggs. Unsurprisingly,
it has proved to be healthier than omnivorous regimes. Veganism may sound like a new fad, but its
roots can be found in Genesis as the first reading today shows.
The reading focuses on God’s creation of human
beings. It says that they are given plants
and fruits for food. Regarding animals,
the reading implies that humans are to use them in cultivating the earth. If Genesis is part etiology explaining the
origin of human customs, how is it that humans eat the meat of animals? Somewhat
later in the narrative Genesis shows God expanding the human diet with the
covenant with Noah. It is not that humans
suddenly merit steaks and pork chops, quite the contrary. It is because God recognizes their penchant
for violence. Somewhat like Jesus will
say about divorce, it is only out of the hardness of their hearts that God permits
humans to eat meat.
It would be good if we adopt a vegetarian diet or, at
least, eat less meat. But even more
importantly, let us strive to imitate Jesus.
He has renewed our hearts so that we might live in peace with all
creation.
