Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 12 February ‘25
Fifth Week in Ordinary Time – Wednesday
Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17. Psalm 104. Mark 7:14-23
The Direction of Purity
Today’s Gospel reading continues the discussion on ritual purity, which began with concerns about washing hands, utensils, and food. Jesus redefines the direction of purity—it is not about what enters a person from the outside, but rather what comes out from within. He calls for a shift from external rituals to inner transformation.
The Pharisees and scribes focused on washing hands, vessels, and vegetables, believing that external cleansing prevented impurity from entering their lives. However, they failed to cleanse their hearts – harbouring pride, jealousy, anger, greed, and hypocrisy. Their emphasis was on appearances rather than inner renewal.
This was the Pharisees’ primary issue—a misguided understanding of purity and hypocrisy in religious observance.
Jesus’ Teaching on True Purity
Jesus presents a radical teaching by emphasizing that true purity is an internal matter. He lists the impurities that arise from within—lust, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, envy, arrogance, and folly.
His message is clear: (a) A truly pure person is clean not only outwardly but also inwardly. (b) Inner purity naturally reflects in one’s external life.
The Creation Narrative: Goodness and Moral Choice
In today’s first reading, we hear the second creation account, where God forms humanity from the dust of the earth and places them in the Garden of Eden.
Among the many trees in the garden, God forbids them from eating the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Here, the theme of purity and impurity is reflected in moral choices—goodness and evil.
A person who is guided by the distinction between good and evil will naturally purify their heart from negative thoughts and actions.
Psalm 104 further affirms God’s divine provision and care, declaring:
“The Lord provides food for all creatures in due season.”
Spiritual Lessons for Today
(a) A correct understanding of purity. We should prioritize inner purity over external rituals. True holiness is about cleansing the heart and not merely observing outward traditions.
(b) Eliminating hypocrisy. It is not enough to appear righteous while harbouring impurity within. We must strive for authenticity in our faith and actions.
(c) Discernment in all that we do. Before we act, we should examine whether our choices align with good or evil. This awareness helps us live with integrity and inner purity.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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