Today's Gospel: Mark 7:14-23

The Gospel passage today focuses on the problem of evil. It would be a depressing scripture if it were not for the reality and power of the Cross, because evil is so deeply ingrained in our being that we really do not have a clue how to eliminate it from our lives.

After seeing how the Pharisees try to purify themselves, Jesus is very frustrated, “ Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?“ Still today, people foolishly tend to focus on outer rules, prayer and spiritual disciplines to purify themselves just like the religious leaders did in New Testament times. This drive to save ourselves is based on both a fear of God and a desire to impress other people.

Jesus explains that the real source of defilement is rooted in our evil desires. Since sin springs from the innermost recesses of our being, only Christ can save us from ourselves. Only the power of His Holy Spirit can transform our hearts.

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Ponder:

Lord, save me from myself and fill me with your Holy Spirit .

Pray:

Do you believe in the power of God's love to change and transform your heart?

 

Copyright 2017 Melanie Jean Juneau

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