PHYLACTERIES / TEFILLIN
Phylacteries, known in Hebrew as tefillin, are an integral part of Jewish religious practice with profound biblical origins. These small leather boxes containing Scripture passages are worn by observant Jews during weekday morning prayers, serving as tangible reminders of God’s commandments.
The practice of wearing phylacteries is rooted in several passages from the Torah, particularly in Deuteronomy and Exodus. For example, Deuteronomy 6:8 instructs, “Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” Observant Jews take this instruction literally, wearing one phylactery on the arm near the heart and another on the forehead.
The contents of phylacteries typically include four passages from the Torah:
1. Exodus 13:1-10
2. Exodus 13:11-16
3. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
4. Deuteronomy 11:13-21
These texts emphasize the importance of remembering and living by God’s commandments and teachings.
While phylacteries are not part of Catholic tradition, the underlying principle of keeping God’s word close to one’s heart and mind resonates deeply with Catholic teaching. The Catechism of the Catholic Church underscores the importance of prayer and meditation on Scripture as means of growing closer to God.
Jesus referenced phylacteries in Matthew 23:5 when criticizing the ostentatious behavior of some religious leaders: “All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.” His critique was not against the practice itself, but against those who used religious symbols for self-aggrandizement rather than sincere devotion.
REFLECTION
For Christians today, the concept behind phylacteries can serve as a powerful reminder to keep God’s word at the forefront of our lives. While we may not wear physical boxes containing Scripture, we are called to internalize God’s teachings and let them guide our actions and decisions. As St. Paul exhorts in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”
In our modern context, we might consider how we can make God’s word a more visible and integral part of our daily lives. This could involve regular Scripture reading, displaying Bible verses in our homes, or striving to embody Christ’s teachings in our interactions with others. By doing so, we honor the spirit of the ancient practice of phylacteries, keeping God’s word close to our hearts and minds as we navigate the challenges and joys of life.
As followers of Christ, we are called to let the word of God permeate every aspect of our lives. In a world full of distractions, it’s vital to find ways to keep our focus on His teachings. Whether through regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, or living out His commands in our daily interactions, we should strive to embody the principles of faith and love that Jesus taught. Let us take inspiration from the practice of phylacteries by finding our own methods to keep God’s word ever-present in our hearts and minds, guiding our actions and shaping our lives according to His will.