Your Soul's Ear

Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile."From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile." Mark 7: 15, 20-23

Reflection:
What would affect us if we let it enter into our hearts and minds?

As I attended class this whole year, I was within hearing of a woman who swore constantly. Or made comments about the relationship of her and her spouse, that were of a sexual nature. Since this is what comes from her mouth, it is in her heart and mind as well as her soul.

On my end who hear these things, it will not affect me unless I take it to heart and begin to think thoughts that defile my soul. Or I too begin to swear, using the epitaph of the day, just to look cool, when in fact it would do the opposite.Because in those moments my heart is nothing, I took the goodness away from it.

What we hear will not harm or defile, unless it takes root within our soul and causes us to think, feel and act upon what we hear. What we are letting into our hearts, when what comes out of another may foul the ears of our souls.