Daily Reflection for Wednesday, February 09, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020922.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 Kings 10:1-10
Responsorial: Psalms 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40
Gospel: Mark 7:14-23
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person;
but the things that come out from within are what defile. Mark 7:15
Even though some of the food we eat might not be good for us, our food (in the U.S.) does pass through a rigorous standard of cleanliness through FDA regulations and guidelines. We try to avoid germs entering our body by carefully preparing our food and cooking workspaces. What about other things we consume? Movies, books, entertainment, where we go, what we do… how do they affect what comes out from us? Even though in the U.S. we have ratings, guidelines, or warnings, it’s still up to us to determine if our choices are right for us and how our decisions affect our spiritual being.
Why should we expect anything less of what comes out of our body? Because of our original sin and worldly temptations, it’s not easy all the time to put forth good thoughts, actions and words.
What we consume (either orally, visually, spiritually, mentally, or otherwise) determines what comes out of us. Are we kind to others on the street? Did the last movie we watched alter our perception of a healthy, stable family? Am I in the right workplace setting that doesn’t conflict with my faith or tempt me in a path away from God? Does this experience I’m choosing to participate in make me a better person, a better Christian?
So what can we do? Receiving God’s grace through prayer, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, and surrounding ourselves with fellow “spiritual warriors” for support are good starters. And lest we forget the Sacrament of Reconciliation that enables us a “fresh start” when fail.
Do I succeed each time in consuming the right things and expelling goodness in the world around me? Definitely not, but as a Christian I am called to do so.
How do you spiritually purify yourself from the evils, distractions, and temptations of the world?
Encourage one another and build each other up,
Lisa Thibault