Genesis 2:4-9, 15-17; Psalm 104; Mark 7:14-23
The first reading presents us with the second account of creation and the instruction not to eat from the forbidden fruit. What are the forbidden fruits we have eaten as Christians? Does it occur to us that there are certain things we cannot do as children of God? The forbidden fruits are: do not steal, do not commit adultery, do not covet thy neighbuor’s goods etc. (Exd.20). Others are; impatience, lies, anger, fornication, pride, envy, theft, immoralities, and unclean heart as we have it in the Gospel reading of today. Beloved, like the Pharisees we are very familiar with the things that are forbidden in our tradition; but the things that are forbidden in our Christian faith are relegated.
LET US PRAY
My Father and my God as I invoke your most holy name at this hour of the day; teach me to avoid that which you have asked me not to do. Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me so, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. Amen. St. Scholastica, pray for us!
