WHAT IS INSIDE OUR HEARTS? - 02/08/23 (Optional Memorial of Saint Jerome Emiliani, priest)

Mark 7:14–15

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.” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020823.cfm

Blessed Memorial of St. Jerome Emiliani! Because the Pharisees were so focused on the exterior, they forgot the importance of their interior, their hearts. Our Lord tells us that the food does not defile us, but what defiles us is our sin. This is why Jesus speaks of the things that come out from within. In the gospel reading, He mentioned many examples of sins such as evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder,

adultery, greed, malice, deceit,

licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. It's important for us to remember that sins are not limited to the actions we do. The truth is that we also commit sins in our thoughts when we entertain in our minds the pleasures of the temptations and/or when we think of doing them. For Christ, being pure in our hearts is more important than ritual purity, as understood by the Pharisees, because by falling to grave sins, whether in our actions or in our thoughts, we endanger our salvation and eternal life. Our Lord Jesus is revealing to us the importance of being faithful to God's will because He wants us to be with Him in heaven for eternity. This is why spending time in our prayer, especially examination of conscience and reflection, is necessary in our spiritual life. 

This is what we can also see in the life of St. Jerome Emiliani. St. Jerome was a priest who was dedicated in preaching the gospel and serving the poor and the orphans. But, there was a time that his heart was full of impurities. When he was a teenager, he joined the military, and he became attached to vanities, honors and achievements while forgetting about the importance of virtues. But, there came a time that he was captured, together with some soldiers, and when he was inside the prison, he reflected on his life. He realized how he offended God, and he made a promise to the Blessed Virgin Mary that if he would escape the prison, he would dedicate his life completely to God. Our Mother Mary appeared to him and gave him a key, and this became the start of his new life. Sometimes, it's difficult to look at our sins because of our pride where we do not want to see a negative image of us. Because of this, we may be tempted to divert our attention to other external things rather than to our Lord. But, Jesus dwells within us. It is by being silent and reflecting that we can see His will for us. Below this reflection, there is a link that provides a guide for examination of conscience, and we can read it, not by just browsing on it, but by doing it in prayer. Let's also not be worried when we are tempted because we are not offending God if we continously resist such temptations. Let's persevere in turning to God in prayer amidst temptations, and even when we fall, may we immediately beg for God's pardon and seek His help. If we have fallen to grave sins, let's remember God's mercy for us, especially in the sacrament of confession. He remains merciful to us because what He desires is to deepen our relationship with Him and to purify our hearts with His love. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Saint Jerome Emiliani, Founder—Optional Memorial:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/february-8-saint-jerome-emiliani-priest/

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth