Extract
Experts in the Law, who had travelled from Jerusalem, and some Pharisees asked Jesus, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with unwashed hands?” (Mark 7:5)
Jesus replied, “What comes out of a person defiles him [makes him unclean]. For from within, out of the human heart, come evil ideas, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, evil, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, pride, and folly. All these evils come from within and defile a person.” (Mark 7:20-23)
Thought
Have I tried to place the blame for my failures on others recently?
My wrong-doings are my doings! My sins come from MY heart!
Reflection
Lord Jesus, free me from the temptations of evil. Forgive me for the many times I have sinned, sought your forgiveness and then returned to commit the same hurt to you again. Lord, in your mercy, listen to my prayer.
Prayer: Priests and Religious
St Paul, great convert and Apostle,
guide all priests and religious.
Help them realise that their actions
speak louder than any words.
Teach them to use their talents
to convey God’s message
but, to rely above all,
on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
