“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him.
From within the man, from his heart,
come evil thoughts.”

Mark 7:20-21

Mark 7:14-23

Reflection

Jesus tells the crowds that nothing entering a person from outside can defile them, but only what comes from within. The disciples question Jesus about this, and he repeats that what comes from a man’s heart is what defiles him, evil thoughts, greed, lust, arrogance, and more.

Jesus warns us that what resides in our hearts is what can truly defile us. In our hearts we can harbor lust, greed, deceit, envy, etc. Blaming these vices on outside influences does not solve the problem, because by actively entertaining evil thoughts, we further defile ourselves.

Nobody is perfect and everyone certainly experiences sinful thoughts in all different capacities, but when we actively reject them and pursue virtue and holiness, we can begin to rid ourselves of attachment to sin. Of course, consuming things like social media that fuel envy, gossip, hatred, etc. does not help us either, so we must take care to focus on holy and excellent things. Jesus calls all of us higher, to pursue the greater good and a pure love. How can you answer his call?

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Saint of the Day

Our Lady of Lourdes

“I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in the next.” Our Lady of Lourdes