Proper 14 (G)

Mark 7:14-23

¹⁴ And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: ¹⁵ There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” ¹⁷ And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. ¹⁸ And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, ¹⁹ since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) ²⁰ And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. ²¹ For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, ²² coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. ²³ All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

We expect these lists of evil things from St Paul, but Jesus Christ gives us a complete list. This is a list that reminds us of all the evil things that come from within us. These things are not food or drink. These things are the real excrement in our life. These are the real things that defile a person.

I am reminded repeatedly of all the contaminants that I put into my body. People tell us about the effects cell phones have on bees, or even causing cancer. There are many people looking for a cure for Cancer (and I am thankful for all their efforts), but Cancer, as well as all diseases, is not caused by what goes into our body. It is what comes out of our body. You want a cure; cure Sin.

This cure has already been discovered. The cure was developed by a great physician. This physician risked everything and even died in the process of providing you with the cure for sin. But this man is not dead. He is still alive and well. This cure does not cost millions of dollars. This cure is not something that comes out of our corrupt and decaying bodies, but enters it, washes over it. The Cure is Jesus Christ our Lord providing you with forgiveness of all your sins. He washes you clean with his very blood. He sends you his Holy Spirit to protect and watch over you.

What comes out of us, defiles us. God enters us and cleanses you from all unrighteousness.