One of the characteristics I’ve come to most appreciate in others over the years, is a peaceful demeanor.  I’m increasingly interested in surrounding myself with people who have the capacity to deflect whatever stressors or triggers come their way; who maintain grace in the eye of the storm.   

Dear readers, if you know me, you know I lack this superpower!  One of my deepest flaws is that I can react, revealing my worst instincts.  I know I do it; I’m never proud that I do it; I fight against it; I’m improving and for models and strategies to help me do so.  I’ve prayed for God’s help.  I’d much prefer to reflect the best of what is inside me in ‘the things that come out from within.”

Today’s Gospel lesson from Mark was such a help.  Reading Jesus’ words reminds us that nothing from the outside can defile us; reminds me that what is inside me – the only thing that I can control – is what matters to God.  My thoughts, my words, my actions are important as I strive to be the loving child that God intended and desires me to be.  It matters not what negativity surrounds me or is directed my way.  I can’t make excuses or blame external forces: what matters is the content of my heart. 

Our reflections can challenge us to take stock of what lingers there…   from the list that Jesus enumerated, I can identify too many personal failings:  “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.” 

But the good news is, our reflections can then reveal to us where we still have room to fight against these evils, so that we may grow in love.  The noise and negativity of the world are best dealt with by being true to the better angels that live within us.  Let us pray, asking God to strengthen Christ’s love in our hearts against all things that defile.  Amen.