A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

[327] Heb 13:1-8 Ps 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9abc Mark 6:14-29

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to the leading Jews of the time, describing that one could not defile themselves by forgoing the ceremonial washing of hands or by eating unclean foods. This was a radical statement and in this day and age may seem ridiculous. Perhaps though, Jesus is speaking to our generation in a new way.

Jesus described to us that only those things that come out of our hearts may defile us, not the external parts of our lives. In my life, I find myself always blaming my behavior and words of malice on the external circumstances in my life. I justify my sinful behavior by the unfavorable circumstances that I have been placed in, whether it is my retort to an insult I have received or impatience with others when I believe I am being treated unfairly. But Jesus brings new light to these situations. It is not those circumstances that defile me, but my response, that flows from my heart, that defiles me. He is telling me that I have control over my response and as such, I should continue to love those around me, even when I believe I am being wronged. Do we justify our sins from the heart on the external circumstances we are placed in? Let us ask Jesus to purify our hearts and remember that only we can dirty them again.