Free Heart Diagnosis
Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” (Mk 7:14-15)
The Pharisees and the scribes are known as the scholar of the Laws. For them being faithful to the letter of the Laws is essential. Today, Jesus opens a new way to try to bring people closer to God. He says to the crowds, “Nothing that goes into someone from outside can make that person unclean; it is the things that come out of someone that make that person unclean (Mk 7: 15). Jesus overturns things: what is impure does not come from outside to the inside, as the Doctors of the Law taught, but what comes from inside to the outside. Thus, nobody ever needs to ask himself if this or that food is pure or impure. He pushes those who practice Laws to a new level by helping them to reflect on the condition of their hearts. In a way, He opens a new way for people to come closer to God and others. What is the condition of your heart now? What keeps you from God and others? The following are the symptoms of spiritual heart disease, diagnosed by Jesus :): “From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.” (Mk 7:21-23) What symptoms do you have? Let us listen to what Prophet Ezekiel said: “I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”(Ez 36:25-26) I invite you to take time to do the examination of your conscience and go to confession as way to prepare for Lent.
Lord, life is filled with selfish. Because of my hardness of heart, I did not feel Your love and not show mercy to others. Please give me a new heart so I can see the Truth of your love and mercy.
O Mother of Mercy, intercede for us. Hail Mary full of grace...
Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen