What goes into a man is not what defiles him, but what comes out of him does. What do we mean by this? Well, food in general, but even everything that makes us who we are. We are all created in the image and likeness of God, and are unique and one of a kind. However, with the free will we are given to live, to be in this world, that's when we can become distorted, defiled. Think about a sweet dessert, perhaps ice cream. It looks and tastes delicious right? It's perfection, but then once you eat too much, you feel bloated, your stomach hurts and it may not have been the best idea. In the same way, this makes up the life of a human.

Today's Gospel states:'And he called the people to him again, and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him." And when he had entered the house, and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. And he said to them, "Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a man from outside cannot defile him, since it enters, not his heart but his stomach, and so passes on?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, "What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these Evil Things come from within, and they defile a man"'(Mark 7:14-23).

Today's Gospel talks about how evil things come from within, and defile a man, it's the choices we make, the things we say, the actions we take. Can people identify you as a person of faith by how you act? Do you help others just for the sake of helping, without seeking anything in return? Take some time to reflect and ask God to help you be a faithful disciple in everything you do.

Today's prayer comes from 'Ave Maria Press' a prayer to Strengthen Faith:

My Lord and my God, You said that they are blessed who have not seen and yet believe. Yet while you are so close to me, I sometimes doubt your presence and refuse to believe unless I touch and see. Strengthen my faith that you are with me always as the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.