“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.”
(Mark 7:14-15)
Inner purity and the condition of our hearts are more important over mere external practices or rituals. We should guard our hearts and minds and strive for righteousness knowing that we are accountable for the thoughts and intentions that come from within us. Let us look beyond rituals and traditions and focus on the true essence of God's commandments, giving priority to God's will and inner transformation over rigid adherence to traditions.
Hear me, all of you, and understand,
It’s not what’s outside that defiles man.
For purity comes from the heart's embrace,
Not outward acts or a polished face.
Nothing outside can taint the soul,
It's what emerges that takes its toll.
The words we speak, the deeds we do,
Reflect our hearts, both false and true.
So guard your heart and nurture grace,
Let love and kindness fill its space.
For in the depths, true purity lies,
Where God's light shines and never dies.
Lord Jesus,
You call us to understand and hear Your truth, that nothing from outside can defile us, but what comes from within our hearts can lead us astray. Help us to guard our hearts and minds, and to seek purity and righteousness in our thoughts and actions.
Grant us the grace to let go of external distractions, and focus on cultivating a heart filled with Your love and goodness. May Your Spirit guide us in our daily lives, so that what flows from within us reflects Your light and truth.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Mystery of Jesus
THE TRADITION OF THE ELDERS
Mark 7:1-23
Gospel Acclamation
Your word, O Lord, is truth: consecrate us in the truth.
Gospel | Mark 7:14-23
14 Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. 15 Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” 16-17 When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. 18 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, 19 since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 “But what comes out of a person, that is what defiles. 21 From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. 23 All these evils come from within and they defile.”
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
