Gospel
Mk 7:14-23
Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them,
“Hear me, all of you, and understand.
Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person;
but the things that come out from within are what defile.”
When he got home away from the crowds
his disciples questioned him about the parable.
He said to them,
“Are even you likewise without understanding?
Do you not realize that everything
that goes into a person from outside cannot defile,
since it enters not the heart but the stomach
and passes out into the latrine?”
(Thus he declared all foods clean.)
“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him.
From within the man, from his heart,
come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder,
adultery, greed, malice, deceit,
licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.
All these evils come from within and they defile.”
REFLECTION
“Hear me, all of you, and understand."
Defilement is a legal term in the Torah ( Laws regarding Ritual Purity found in Leviticus 11-15) meaning to render something unclean, unfit for worship or sacred use. The definition includes distinction between clean and unclean, how a person becomes unclean and what to do about it. Certain foods could never be eaten or touched.
Jesus came to save souls. He seeks us out. He has given us the gift of faith but unfortunately some have lost it and don't believe or have become lukewarm.
Jesus says, " Hear me all of you and understand". And with authority, He redefines defilement and uncleanness. Externally we can wash ourselves, add spices, oils and perfumes to our bodies, appear holy, speak holy and dress holy covering up what truly is inside us. However, the heart represents the inner depths of the person: our treasures. In it we either respond to God or not. Love, joy, anxiety, grief are born and nourished in the heart. Likewise, evil thoughts and deeds also arise from the heart. It is this evil in our hearts that separate us from God.
With God's power may these evil thoughts and dispositions be exorcised from our lives. Fasting, praying and almsgiving can open our hearts to God's love. Ask God for the healing we need. For the remedies against evil thoughts or deeds--unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, and folly.
Ask God for the perseverance of faith and trust, knowing that He can change our hearts if we allow Him to clean us. Let Him be the only treasure in our hearts. May He be our wealth, happiness and love.
PAPA is sponsoring a Lenten retreat February 23-25, 2024. It will challenge us as we visit ourselves in the presence of the Lord. It is free, it is early in the season, and all are invited. Notify us if you have questions: papa@papamio.org
God Bless You
תגובות