Mark 7:14-15, 21-23 (NRSV)
Read Mark 7:14-15, 21-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14Then he called the crowd again and said to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand: Verse 15there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile." Verse 21For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, Verse 22adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. Verse 23All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."
Devotion
Hangry. No, it's not a misprint; it's actually a new word in the lexicon of the living English language. It simply means that one has become so hungry that they become angry or frustrated or both. I confess I too often let this emotion get the better of me. And it has been easier to do now that there is a name for it. It is as if having a name for it gives us all permission to act upon our emotions.
Jesus reminds us that it is our words and actions that show who and whose we are. We are called to develop words and actions that reveal higher standards for our ways of living. Even when our language has names for our actions or reactions (which are important to recognize) still we are called to practice a life of patience, love, forgiveness, graciousness and peace.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, enter our hearts and guide us in our thoughts and actions as we encounter the world around us. May we be a light of your love in the world. Amen.