Reflect today on the list of sins identified by our Lord

Jesus called the crowd again and said to them: “Listen to me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that comes in from the outside can contaminate that person; but the things that come out from within are what contaminate “. Mark 7: 14-15

What's inside of you? What's in your heart? Today's Gospel ends with a list of vices that unfortunately come from within: "bad thoughts, shamelessness, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, madness". Of course, none of these vices are desirable when viewed objectively. They are all quite repulsive. Yet too often they are sins that people regularly face in one way or another. Take greed, for example. When clearly understood, no one wants to be known as greedy. It's a shameful attribute to have. But when greed isn't seen as greed, it's easy to fall into the trap of living it. Those who are greedy want too much of this or that. More money, a better home, a nicer car, more luxurious vacations, etc. Thus, when a person acts greedy, greed does not seem undesirable. It is only when greed is considered objectively that it is understood for what it is. In this Gospel, by naming this long list of vices, Jesus performs an incredible act of mercy on us. It shakes us and calls us to step back and look at sin for what it is. Jesus also makes it clear that when you experience one or more of these vices, you become contaminated. You become greedy, liar, cruel, gossipy, hateful, arrogant, etc. Objectively, nobody wants it. What's on that list of vices you struggle with the most? What do you see in your heart? Be honest with yourself before God. Jesus wants your heart to be pure and holy, free from these and from all filth. But unless you are able to look at your heart honestly, it will be difficult to reject the sin you struggle with. Reflect today on this list of sins identified by our Lord. Consider each one and allow yourself to see each sin for what it truly is. Allow yourself to despise these sins with holy wrath and then turn your eyes to that sin you struggle with the most. Know that when you consciously see that sin and reject it, our Lord will begin to strengthen you and cleanse your heart so that you can be freed from that defilement and instead become the beautiful child of God you were created to be.

My merciful Lord, help me see sin for what it is. Help me, in particular, to see my sin, that sin in my heart that defiles me as Your dear child. When I see my sin, give me the grace I need to reject it and to turn to You with all my heart so that I can become a new creation in Your grace and mercy. Jesus I believe in you.