READ
14 And he called the people to him again, and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him.” 17 And when he had entered the house, and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters, not his heart but his stomach, and so passes on?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, “What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man.” (Mark 7:14–23, RSV2CE)
REFLECT
My heart determines my defilement. Eating does not defile. My heart attitudes are what make me unclean. All evil comes from the wrong thoughts and desires, once entertained, they grow and produce action and death. I must choose to pray! Pray for the grace to get a new heart, new desires, new actions, and a renewed life. And then to pray always as St Paul says. God wants to do it in me but he allows us to choose, we must pursue, we do this by grace through prayer. God will not coerce or force anything upon us. He has given us great responsibility that have eternal consequences.
RESOLUTION
Thank you my God for your love and high calling. Please change my heart, Change my mind, change my life to know and love you and your ways. I pray for the grace to follow you all the days of my life because I love you and know your ways are right.
REST
You said you want all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. The truth is you love me and want me to follow your ways because they are healing from the evil ways of the world. I will rest in your care. I give myself to you. I trust You! Amen.
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