Are you too busy counting the sins of others and yourself? God wants you to celebrate and enjoy your relationship with Him - Daily Bible Reflections February 12,2014

FROM THE INSIDE

 

“Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” – Mark 7:15

 

Frank entered the party well-dressed. He shook his head after seeing that most of his friends were not in formal attire. He thought the food wasn’t great. He left saying, “This was a lousy party.”

       Lawrence also went to the event excited and decked out in his tux. He saw old friends and enjoyed catching up with them. He left saying, “This party was a success.” Both had the same external conditions but had opposite internal responses.

       In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ disciples were criticized for eating with unclean hands. Jesus told the Pharisees and scribes that what goes in the mouth goes to the stomach and out into the toilet. It’s what’s from inside the hearts of men that corrupts.

       It’s good to wash our hands before eating for health reasons but it’s not a measure of one’s internal impurity. Having a beautiful relationship with God shouldn’t be replaced with ritualistic traditions to make it appear as if one is externally worshiping though one’s heart is elsewhere.

       And what about the hearts of Frank and Lawrence at the celebration? Frank was too busy criticizing. Lawrence celebrated. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Are you too busy counting the sins of others and yourself? God wants you to celebrate and enjoy your relationship with Him. Receive His forgiveness, love and mercy.

 

Father God, I surrender my heart to You. Transform it that it may be pleasing and full of love.

 

St. Apollonia, pray for us.