Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI
Reflection for Aug. 29, 2021

Reflection for Aug. 29, 2021

The work within

Jesus emphasizes each person's interior life is where God gives and grows 

by Renae Bauer
Communications Director

While reflecting on Sunday’s readings, I called to mind Psalm 51:12, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims, “Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile” (Mark 7:15). Now there’s a message of owning our actions!

Interestingly, the path to a clean heart begins, continues and ends with Jesus. We do not master it by ourselves. His mercy changes our hearts, allowing us to choose good.

Reflection questions:
  1. Do I choose thoughts or actions that reflect God’s love?
  2. Do I believe God can transform my heart?
  3. How will I ask God for help today? And when?

5 Comments

Sr Laura
08/27/2021 9:17 am

Thank you for the reflection questions

They do help me put the reading in perspective. Blessings.

Ellen
08/27/2021 10:21 am

Thank you, Renae. This reflection reminded me of James Patrick Kinney's poem, "The Cold Within". So much work to be done within. Sending His love to all of you.

Father Bill Jacobs
08/29/2021 11:06 am

When I think of this Reading, I think of the special times like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc., and all the surprise "Gifting" that is done by so many...The heart seems to "warm up" & do wonderful things.... Peace be with us!

SR ROSE JOCHMANN
08/29/2021 4:13 pm

Thank, Renae. Yes, a clean heart begins and ends with Jesus.

Linda
08/30/2021 11:34 am

The inner life ..... hmmmm ..... we, as People of Grace, have not yet plummeted the depths of that holy and sacred sanctuary, have we?

Even though we want to believe we have 'depth,' yet we have only still 'scratched the surface.' Generations upon generations of 'scratching the surface -- ' not facing, not feeling, not 'knowing' "ALL" that IS...... and all that is -- and is not 'of G O D .....'

"Holy Spirit, COME! You, Who search the deep things of G OD ...... ( John 14:16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 8:16, 26, 27)

And even as St. Paul instructs us: “The Spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God.”

( 1 Cor. 2:10) Holy Spirit, COME! We Need You!"

There is an ancient blessing that I love. It is very beautiful, full and rich with eternal meaning, infinite wisdom, and never-ending grace:

"May the long-time sun (Son)

Shine upon you

All love surround you

And the pure light

Within you

Guide your way on

Guide your way on ....

Sat naam

Sat naam

Sat naam

Sat naam

Sat naam

Sat naam"

"Sat naam" is a mantra that means, “I am truth,” or “Truth is my essence.”

S/He Who-Is-Truth is Holy Spirit.

We are in need of Holy Spirit.

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