The Defilement of the Heart

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Fifth Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 7:14-23*

*First Reading : Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 104:1-2a, 27-28, 29bc-30*

*The Defilement of the Heart*

*1) Important Theme*

The concept of the defilement of the heart is a key biblical theme, often contrasted with outward purity. 

In Scripture, defilement is not just about external actions but primarily about the condition of the heart before God. 

*2) Jesus on the True Source of Defilement*

*What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.*

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for focusing on external purity (ritual washing) while neglecting the corruption of the heart.

This passage reminds us that sin originates from within, and true holiness requires internal transformation, not just outward observance.

*3) The Heart as the Wellspring of Life* 

*Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life* (Proverbs 4:23)

This verse emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts against influences that lead to spiritual corruption. 

Our thoughts, desires, and emotions shape our actions, so we must be vigilant in keeping our hearts pure before God.

*4) The Need for a Clean Heart*

*Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me* (Psalm 51:10)

King David, after his sin with Bathsheba, recognized that his heart needed cleansing.

True repentance involves asking God to purify the heart, not just to forgive sins externally. 

This verse encourages us to seek inner renewal through God’s grace.

*5) The New Covenant and Heart Transformation*

*And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.* Ezekiel 36:26-27)

God promises a transformation of the heart through His Spirit. 

Unlike the old covenant, which focused on external obedience, the new covenant works internally, changing our desires and enabling us to walk in God’s ways.

*6) Pure in Heart Shall See God*

*Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God* (Matthew 5:8)

Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes show that true purity is about the heart, not just external behavior. 

A heart purified by God is able to perceive and experience His presence in a deeper way.

Defilement of the heart is a serious spiritual matter because it shapes our thoughts, actions, and relationship with God. 

While outward appearances can be deceiving, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). 

The solution is not just moral effort but a renewed heart through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Regular repentance, meditation on God’s Word, and reliance on the Spirit help keep our hearts pure.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*