What a contrast between the reading from Genesis and the Gospel! Here we see two completely different ways of approaching God. In one case, the Pharisees identify the service of God with the minute observance of man-made rituals. We, too, can fall into the same trap as we measure ourselves and others merely by external religious behaviour. As Jesus says elsewhere, it is love that God wants not religious rites. It is easy for us to be scrupulous in following, in carrying out what we regard as the requirements of our religion, while completely ignoring the real needs of people around us.

In the story of creation, we see the marvellous coming into being of our universe. We do not, of course, take it as a literal account. Above all, we see men and women being made in the image of their Creator and mandated to be its stewards. In fact, the whole of creation, as Paul tells us, shouts to us of the nature and beauty of our God. But it is for us in particular to deepen that image in ourselves as we grow to reflect more and more on the truth, love and goodness of our God. It is here that true religion can be fostered: in seeking, finding and responding to God in every person and every experience of our lives.