Nothing that enters one from…

Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person.

You can understand where the confusion came from.  It all started with that tree in the garden, when God told our first parents, “From that tree you shall not eat; when you eat from it you shall die”.  So it must be all about what we eat, right? That means the best way to please God is to pay extra close attention to what goes into our mouths.  But which diet should we follow? “Thou shalt not eat fat?” “Thou shall not eat carbs?” “Thou shall not eat red meat?”

Jesus makes it clear that a new diet is not the answer.  Any of these eating plans could be fine if we are looking to lose weight or have a healthier lifestyle.  But just as Jesus told the crowds, what we eat – fat or carbs or red meat – in and of itself does not defile us.

It is human nature to come up with a plan or reduce something complex to a manageable formula.  That is why self help books and self improvement programs are so popular.  But Jesus is asking us to shift our focus.  The important thing is not a list of do’s and don’ts.  The important thing is whether we let God’s love shape our behavior.

it is the relationship, not the formula, that matters.  As we know Jesus better, we become more convinced of his love for us, and that changes us internally.  And it is that interior change that affects what we choose to eat or say, how we spend our time, and how we treat the people around us.

So develop that relationship!

Here is one approach; when you pray today, do not focus only on intercession.  Take a few minutes to gaze at a crucifix.   Imagine, not just the pain Jesus endured, but the love – his personal love for you – that held him on that cross.   If you start to feel distracted, call your attention back.  Think about how important you are to him and how much he has done or you.  As those truths imprint themselves on your heart, you will find that “the things that come out from” you is more  and more pleasing to God.

-word among us