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| Wounded by sin
Dear Fathers, Friends in Christ,
Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile. (Mark 7:15)
In no uncertain terms, Jesus made it clear that the most serious spiritual challenge we face is our own heart. Wounded by sin, clouded by temptation, we are our own worst enemy. Even the desire to blame other people or our environment for our failings is something that comes “from within”!
So what is this “from within” that Jesus spoke about? To try to answer that, take a look at how you might respond to an unexpected event. What would you do if a friend suddenly started treating you harshly? What if your supervisor at work gave you a strong rebuke? Would you become defensive and cynical? Or would you try to make amends and seek reconciliation? How about trying to overcome a tendency to complain or criticize? Or maybe, you might not just hand a poor person some food but look him in the eye and learn his name and a bit of his story.
There are many other examples, but the main point is to try to become more honest about the motives behind our actions, both bad and good. It can be tempting to shift the blame to external influences like the media, our often abrasive culture, or even “those people” who get on our nerves. But the reality is that everything we say or do arises from within our own heart. If our hearts change, it stands to reason that our actions will follow.
Spend some time with Jesus. Let him put his finger on just one trait he would like to work on with you. Is it kindness or humility? Patience or generosity? Gentleness or straightforwardness? Each of these is a manifestation of love. Each is a blessing that can “come out” of us more if we ask the Lord for help.
Jesus is eager to pour his grace into you so that you can become more like himself in this special corner of your heart. So open yourself to his love so that what comes “out from within” gives glory to him and helps build his kingdom on earth.
“Jesus, I offer you my heart. Let your love penetrate and transform its darkest corner.”
1 Kings 10:1-10; Psalm 37:5-6, 30-31, 39-40
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church/ Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia
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