Christians deplore the practice of superstition as it conflicts and contradicts the belief in God.
Included in the superstitious practices are consulting horoscopes, fortune-tellers and palm-reading, etc.
But few of us Catholics would admit to having religious superstitions.
For e.g., what are the real reasons for hanging the palm branch on the door post, drink holy water, wear holy medals, etc.
Of course there are valid religion reasons for these practices, but yet we can also concoct our own queer reasons for doing so.
The 1st reading pointed out that the people were using the Temple of the Lord as a kind of religious superstitious object by saying delusive words like "This is the sanctuary of the Lord."
The contradiction was that they know they were in the presence of God and yet they continue with their sinful ways.
Religion becomes a sort of superstition when we say we believe in God and come to church to obtain whatever religious articles and yet there is no change in our sinful ways.
The gospel parable highlights the sinful and superstitious practices in our lives but God is loving and merciful.
May the weeds of our sinfulness slowly diminish and may we produce a rich harvest of true love for God and neighbour.