TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
12 FEBRUARY, 2025
Mark 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 crowd
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.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In Mark 7:14-23, Jesus teaches that true defilement comes not from external things but from what is within our hearts. The Pharisees focused on ritual purity, but Jesus shifts the emphasis to the condition of the soul. He lists sins like evil thoughts, greed, and envy, showing that these arise from within and corrupt a person. This passage challenges us to examine our hearts rather than just our outward actions. Are we harboring bitterness, pride, or impurity? True holiness is not about following religious rituals but about having a heart that reflects God’s love and righteousness. Jesus calls us to seek transformation from within, allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse us and renew our minds. When our hearts are pure, our words and actions will naturally reflect God’s goodness. This passage reminds us that spiritual growth begins with inner renewal, not just outward observance.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, purify my heart and cleanse me from anything that separates me from You. Help me to focus not just on outward actions but on the thoughts and intentions within me. Lord, I surrender my heart to You—remove any pride, bitterness, or selfishness, and fill me with love, kindness, and humility. Teach me to walk in true holiness, seeking righteousness in my thoughts, words, and deeds. May my life reflect Your grace and truth so that I may honor You in all I do. Thank You for Your mercy and guidance. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
1 Prayer
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