"Nothing that enters one
from outside can defile that person;
but the things that come out
from within are what defile."
(Mark 7:15)
Jesus highlighted that true defilement comes from within, not from external sources. This encourages us to examine our hearts, regularly reflect on our thoughts, intentions, and actions, seek inner transformation, and ask God to purify our hearts and help us live with integrity and sincerity.
We should ensure that our actions and beliefs are rooted in Scripture rather than merely in human customs. Let us be vigilant, guard our hearts against negative influences and temptations, cultivate virtues and foster qualities like humility, honesty, and kindness. Our worship and actions should be sincere and not just for show, striving for consistency between what we profess and how we live.
1 When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, 2 they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. 3 For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. 4 And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds. 5 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” 6 He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; 7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. 8 You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” 14 He 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. 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.” (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)
Lord Jesus, You taught us that true defilement comes from within, not from external sources, but from the heart’s hidden sin. Help us to examine our hearts each day, reflect on our thoughts, intentions, and way. Grant us inner transformation, pure and true, purify our hearts, make us anew. Guide us to live with integrity and sincerity, in Your light, let us find clarity. May our actions and beliefs be rooted in Your Word, not swayed by human customs, but by what we’ve heard. Keep us vigilant, guarding our hearts with care, against negative influences and temptations that ensnare. Cultivate in us virtues of humility and grace, honesty and kindness in every place. Let our worship be sincere, not just for show, in every action, let our true faith glow. Help us strive for consistency in what we profess and live, in Your love and truth, let us always give. Lord Jesus, we seek Your guidance and light, to walk in Your ways, pure and right.
Amen.
God’s commandments are not just rules but are designed to guide us towards wisdom and understanding. We should not alter God’s instructions, highlighting the completeness and perfection of His laws. By living according to God’s principles, we can be a testimony to others. Obedience to God’s word is crucial for living a life that is pleasing to Him.
God’s ways are always right and just. We should trust in God’s wisdom and justice, even when we may not fully understand His commandments. Let us live out our faith in a way that others can see the difference it makes in our lives.
Our actions and obedience can serve as a witness to God’s goodness and righteousness. It is important to maintain our covenant relationship with God through faithfulness and obedience. Let us cherish and uphold our commitment to God, knowing that He is faithful to us.
1 Moses said to the people: “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 In your observance of the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I enjoin upon you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it. 6 Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’ 7 For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the Lord, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? 8 Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today? (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8)
Heavenly Father, Your commandments are not just rules, but divine guidance leading us towards wisdom and understanding. Help us to honor Your instructions, recognizing the completeness and perfection of Your laws. May we live according to Your principles, becoming a testimony to others of Your love and truth. Lord, we acknowledge that Your ways are always right and just. Grant us the trust to rely on Your wisdom and justice, even when we do not fully understand Your commandments. Let our faith shine brightly, so others may see the difference it makes in our lives. Our actions and obedience are a witness to Your goodness and righteousness. Strengthen our covenant relationship with You through our faithfulness and obedience. Help us to cherish and uphold our commitment to You, knowing that You are ever faithful to us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We should be sincere and transparent in all interactions, living blamelessly and doing what is right. Avoiding slander and harmful words fosters a community of trust and respect. Treating neighbors with kindness and fairness reflects God’s love and justice. Not holding grudges or speaking ill of others promotes peace and reconciliation. Honoring those who fear the Lord and rejecting wickedness shows the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences. Keeping promises even when it is difficult demonstrates reliability and faithfulness. Avoiding exploitative financial practices, such as charging excessive interest, reflects a commitment to justice and compassion. Refusing to take bribes ensures fairness and upholds the integrity of the community. Let us regularly examine our actions and attitudes to ensure they align with these principles.
2 Whoever walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart 3 and slanders not with his tongue. (R) Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; 4 by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the Lord. (R) 5 Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things shall never be disturbed. (Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 5)
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open and sincere, seeking to live transparently in all our interactions. Guide us to live blamelessly and to always do what is right in Your sight. Help us to avoid slander and harmful words, fostering a community built on trust and respect. May we treat our neighbors with kindness and fairness, reflecting Your love and justice in all we do. Grant us the grace to let go of grudges and to speak no ill of others, promoting peace and reconciliation in our lives. Teach us to honor those who fear You and to reject wickedness, surrounding ourselves with positive influences that draw us closer to You. Strengthen our resolve to keep our promises, even when it is difficult, demonstrating reliability and faithfulness. Help us to avoid exploitative financial practices and to show compassion and justice in all our dealings. May we refuse to take bribes, ensuring fairness and upholding the integrity of our community. Lord, help us to regularly examine our actions and attitudes, aligning them with Your principles. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
God chose to give us new birth through the word of truth. This encourages us to live transformed lives, reflecting the truth and love of God in our actions. We are called to rid ourselves of moral filth and evil. This means actively seeking to remove negative influences and behaviors from our lives. Keeping oneself from being polluted by the world means striving for personal holiness and integrity, avoiding behaviors and influences that can lead us away from God.
It’s not enough to just hear God’s word; we must also act on it. This challenges us to live out our faith through our actions, demonstrating our beliefs in practical ways. True religion involves caring for those in need, such as orphans and widows. This teaches us the importance of compassion and social responsibility.
We should regularly thank God for His blessings and recognize His goodness in our lives. Let us be grateful for all His blessings and acknowledge His unchanging nature. May His word transform us, leading to a life that reflects His truth and love.
17 Dearest brothers and sisters: All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. 18 He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 21 Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. 22 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27)
Heavenly Father, we thank You for choosing to give us new birth through Your word of truth. Help us to live transformed lives, reflecting Your truth and love in all our actions. Guide us to rid ourselves of moral filth and evil, actively seeking to remove negative influences and behaviors from our lives. Grant us the strength to strive for personal holiness and integrity, keeping ourselves from being polluted by the world. Remind us that it is not enough to just hear Your word; we must also act on it. Challenge us to live out our faith through our actions, demonstrating our beliefs in practical ways. Teach us the true meaning of religion, which involves caring for those in need, such as orphans and widows. Instill in us the importance of compassion and social responsibility. We regularly thank You for Your blessings and recognize Your goodness in our lives. Let us be grateful for all Your blessings and acknowledge Your unchanging nature. May Your word transform us, leading to a life that reflects Your truth and love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
II: The Mystery of Jesus
THE TRADITION OF THE ELDERS
Mark 7:1-23
Related Blogs:
https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/09/from-within.html
https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/09/prayer-for-inner-transformation.html
First Reading
I. Historical Review and Exhortation
ADVANTAGES OF FIDELITY
Deuteronomy 4:1-8
Related Blogs:
https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/09/gods-commandments.html
https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/09/prayer-for-obedience-and-faithfulness.html
Responsorial Psalm
First Book of Psalms 1-41
THE RIGHTEOUS ISRAELITE
Psalm 15:1-5
Related Blogs:
https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/09/transparent-hearts.html
https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/09/prayer-to-do-what-is-right.html
Second Reading
II: The Value of Trials and Temptations
TEMPTATION / DOERS OF THE WORD
James 1:12-18 / 19-27
Related Blogs:
https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/09/new-birth-through-truth.html
https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/09/prayer-for-transformation-and-gratitude.html
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
