Wednesday 11th February – Wednesday of week 5 of the year

Reflection: Mark 7: 14-23

WHAT COMES OUT OF YOU?

“Watch your thoughts, they become your words;
Watch your words, they become your actions;
Watch your actions, they become your habits;
Watch your habits, they become your character;
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
                                                                                                 Frank Outlaw

Long before this popular quote which is attributed to Frank Outlaw became known, Christ had already drawn the attention of His followers to the need to watch what comes out of them – their thoughts, words and actions. He made them realise that rather than becoming “unclean” by eating certain foods, we become “unclean” when evil things proceed from within us.

When we think of the tern “defilement” we assume that it is restricted to Jewish customs and is of no significance for us a Christians. Yet in today’s gospel reading, Christ makes it clear that we too, Christians are in danger of defilement when we allow wrong thoughts to dwell within us. How would you feel if your thoughts and intentions were to be made known to the public? Would you be proud or ashamed of yourself?

Dear friend, in many ways, some of your thoughts are indeed made known – through your words, attitudes, actions etc and those that do not manifest are known by God who searches the heart. Today, make a decision to think only pure thoughts. Flee immoral literature, movies, websites, discussions and friends as these plant seeds of impurity in your heart. Ask the Lord to cleanse your heart so that all that comes out of you will be honourable, give glory to him and better the lives of your hearers.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please cleanse my heart and lips of all impurity. Help me to honour you in my thoughts, words and actions. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 463 – How does one achieve “purity of heart”?
The purity of heart required for love is achieved in the first place through union with God in prayer. When God’s grace touches us, this also produces a path to pure, undivided human love. A chaste person can love with a sincere and undivided heart.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Above all else guard your heart, for therein is the source of life” Proverbs 4:23 CCB

Today’s Readings: Genesis 2: 4-9, 15-17; Psalm 104: 1-2, 27-30; Mark 7: 14-23