Daily Gospel Reflection for February 6, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 7:1-13

In today’s Gospel, the pharisees point out that the disciples are eating with unclean hands, for this was considered sinful and not observing of the elders. Jesus’ response to them, however, is even more shocking.

This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Mark 7:6

How often do we go to Mass and portray holiness but sin before we make it to the parking lot? Are there times where you find that you go through life with a sour heart? Jesus is telling the pharisees that the traditions of man are only words unless the heart itself is clean. This passage speaks strongly to the intentions of our motivations. Are we going through the motions of prayer, fasting, and tradition, but our intentions are not directed toward God? This reminds me that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven we must be purified, and if we are not in this life, we will be in purgatory.

The way to achieving a clean heart is through the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity.

Ponder:

Take some time this week to reflect on the fruits of the Holy Spirit. What is an area that you need improvement?

Pray:

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord. Help me to know You and seek You. Help my works and actions to reflect my heart for You, and help my heart desire You in all my actions.