Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Commentary: Mark 7:14-23

“But what comes out of a man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

Jesus, this list of evils can be at first blush, overwhelming. But, it is actually empowering when I really think about it. I can’t control everything about my environment, the people I see, or even the places I go every day, but I can control my own reaction. I have recourse to you Lord, regardless of what is going on around me. I am not a victim of my circumstances. What a great gift we can give our children if we can teach them this lesson and help them live it by our example.

Your words today are also a great reminder to me as a mom. We are constantly making sure our children are safe from physical harm: crossing the street, stranger danger, choking hazards, etc…Lord, help me be equally concerned about their spiritual safety and health: their relationship with you, growth in virtue, access to the sacraments. Help me have a close relationship with my children’s guardian angels!