WHAT DEFILES A MAN
(Mark 7:14-24)
In His parable today, Jesus
illustrates that what defiles a man is not what goes into him but what comes
out of him.
You're the master and author of
the things that come out of you. You're responsible for what you generate.
You're judged not based on what others do to you but what you do and how you
react to what they do to you. This is because you sit down to plan and then
execute the actions upon yourself or the other.
Jesus gave examples of those
actions that defile a man: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting,
wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. They
come from within the man.
They defile the man because he
consented to them. He meditated over it; he chose it. It is not an accident; it
is never carried out mistakenly. And It kills. It is mortal sin. It kills the
soul. It takes one away from the state of grace. It keeps one on the run, away
from God. What are those things you give your consent? What are those thoughts
you enjoy? What are those things you desire? Are they genuine? Are they pure?
Do they give God honour?
Let us endeavour to plan good
things in our hearts, to make within our hearts the abode of the Trinity, so
that in union with God, guided by His grace, meditating on His Word, we may
make good plans that will lead us to bear good fruits of holiness.
LET US PRAY
Oh Lord we thank You for exposing
to us through Your word what defiles us. We want to live undefiled lives. Train
our hearts to meditate and ponder always on those things that sanctify us and
glorify Your Holy name. Cleanse us of all our defilements through Christ our
Lord. Amen
St. Scholastica, Pray for us.
God bless your Wednesday (5th
Week, Ordinary Time, Yr B)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Image from: The Things That Defile a Man (Entire Article) – APOSTOLIC INFORMATION SERVICE
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