“Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person;
but the things that come out from within are what defile.”

mark 7:15

Mark 7:14-23

Reflection

Jesus tells the people that what goes into a man doesn’t defile him (speaking about clean vs. unclean food), but rather what comes out of a man is what defiles him. The disciples are still confused, and so Jesus explains that food passes through, but evil thoughts and actions come from the heart, thus defiling a person.

We should pay careful attention to what is in our hearts. As Jesus says, evil things come from within. Yes, we might be influenced by outside sources, but our thoughts and actions are our own.

Although we aren’t thinking sinful thoughts all the time, it is a good practice to check yourself – especially concerning thoughts about lust, greed, gossip, envy, etc. Are they leading you to sin or to God? If we wish to lead lives of holiness and grow closer to God, we must begin within ourselves.

Doing an examination of conscience at the end of every day is a great way to reflect about what is going on in your heart. Pray for the grace to better understand yourself and ask the Lord to lead you to himself.

---

Saint of the Day

St. Buonfiglio Monaldo: died ca. 1261

St. Buonfiglio was one of seven founders of the Servites (Servants of Mary). All were inspired to greater lives of prayer and solitude after experiencing a vision on the feast of the Assumption. Their order established many foreign missions and houses, with St. Buonfiglio serving as the first prior general. St. Buonfiglio, pray for us!