Breaking Barriers: Christ’s Mission Without Borders. (Mark 7:31-37).

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Peace of Christ Jesus be with you all

Today, the Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, apostles to the Slavs. On this occasion we meditate on the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus performs a miracle that carries a deep spiritual meaning for our lives: the healing of the deaf and mute man.

The Geography of Salvation: Why So Many Places?

St. Mark gives us a map of grace, naming the places involved in Jesus’ mission: Tyre, Sidon, the Sea of Galilee, and the Decapolis. Why such specificity? These locations are not random; they reveal something profound about Jesus’ mission.

• Tyre and Sidon were historically pagan lands, often at odds with Israel, places of idolatry and foreign gods. Yet, Jesus had just been there, showing that salvation is not confined to Israel alone, it is for all nations.
• The Sea of Galilee represents the familiar ground of Jesus' ministry, a place where Jews and Gentiles coexisted, a bridge between the chosen people and the nations.
• The Decapolis (meaning “Ten Cities”) was a region deeply influenced by Greek culture, a place where Hellenistic thought and pagan worship dominated.

By mentioning all these places, St. Mark is showing us that Jesus is weaving through both Jewish and Gentile territories, bringing the Good News to all people. The healing of the deaf man is not just a private act of kindness, it is a sign of the universal mission of Christ. Just as Cyril and Methodius later brought the Gospel to the Slavic peoples, Jesus was already breaking down barriers, fulfilling the prophecy that all nations would come to know God.

The Faith of the People: A Community of Intercessors

Unlike some miracles where individuals cry out to Jesus for healing, in this case, the deaf man is brought to Him by others. Here, we witness the power of intercession and the faith of a community. This man could neither hear nor speak, he was trapped in isolation. Yet, his friends, moved by faith, became bridges between him and Christ.

This is a powerful reminder for us today. How many people in our families, workplaces, and societies are spiritually deaf and mute? They do not hear God’s voice, they do not know how to speak to Him in prayer. It is our task, like these intercessors, to bring them to Jesus. Faith is never a private possession; it is meant to be shared.

Imagine if Christians all over the world truly embraced this spirit of intercession today, what a transformation we would see! Lives would be renewed, hearts would be healed, and communities would be strengthened by the power of God.

In fact, a global initiative is already underway, inviting Christians of all denominations to come together in prayer. On March 1, 2025, believers around the world will gather in churches, homes, and communities to lift their voices in unity through www.gather25.com. Let us respond to this call, interceding for a world in need of healing, just as the friends of the deaf man did.

The Power of Jesus’ Healing Touch

Jesus does not perform a distant, impersonal healing. He takes the man aside, away from the crowd, and touches him. He puts His fingers into his ears, spits, and touches his tongue. In this deeply personal gesture, we see that healing is not just about power, it is about love, intimacy, and restoration.

Then Jesus looks up to heaven, sighs, and speaks a single word:

“Ephphatha!” (Be opened!)

This Aramaic word is so significant that St. Mark chooses not to translate it but preserves it in its original form. Why? Because it is a divine command, a word that breaks barriers! The deaf ears are opened, meaning the man can now hear the voice of truth. The bound tongue is loosed, meaning he can now proclaim God's praise. The isolation is shattered, meaning he is now fully restored to his community.

This is what Jesus does for every soul He touches, He opens what is closed, heals what is broken, restores what is lost.

The Hidden Message for Us Today: “Be Opened!”

The miracle in today’s Gospel  is not just about one man; it is a message for the whole Church, for every disciple of Christ.

How often do we suffer from spiritual deafness, unable to hear God’s voice in the noise of our busy lives?

How often do we experience spiritual muteness, afraid to share the Gospel, to speak words of faith, encouragement, or truth?

How often do we need Jesus to take us aside and whisper to our souls: “Ephphatha! Be opened!”

Saints Cyril and Methodius, whose feast we celebrate today, understood this command well. They brought the Word of God to the Slavic peoples, translating Scripture into their language, opening ears and hearts to the Gospel. Their mission echoes Jesus’ own work in the Decapolis, proving that Christ’s message is not bound by culture, language, or geography, it is for all nations!

Our Call: Becoming Bearers of  “Ephphatha”

The world today is filled with deafness and muteness. Many are deaf to the cries of the poor, to the voice of truth, to the call of Christ. Many are mute in the face of injustice, in evangelization, in their witness to faith.

But Jesus' voice still resounds: “Ephphatha! Be opened!”

As disciples, we are called to listen attentively to His voice and to speak boldly in His name. Let us ask for the grace to be truly opened, to receive His Word, to intercede for others, and to proclaim His love to all people.

May the example of Saints Cyril and Methodius inspire us to bring the Gospel to the nations, to those who have not yet heard, and to those who need to hear it again.

Let us Pray

Lord Jesus, touch our ears that we may hear Your voice.
Touch our tongues that we may proclaim Your praise.
Open our hearts that we may love as You love.
Ephphatha! Be opened! Amen.

 

The Power of Prayer and the Reality of Spiritual Warfare. (Scripture Reading: Daniel 10:10-14).

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, peace be with you!

Yesterday, I came across a biblical passage, Daniel 10:10-14, that deeply moved me. As I took time to read and meditate on it, I found it to be an eye-opener. The truth it conveys is not only relevant but also urgent for our world today. What is often called “spiritual battle” is real. Our rationalized society may dismiss it as superstition, yet the battle rages on even as I write these words.

How often do we feel that our prayers go unanswered? How often do we wonder why God seems silent in the face of our struggles? Today, I invite you to reflect on this fascinating passage in the Book of Daniel; it will help us  unveil the unseen battles taking place around us, the power of persistent prayer, and the ultimate victory of God’s will.

Daniel, a man of deep faith, was in exile in Perse (the present Iran). His people, the Israelites, remained under foreign rule, and his heart was burdened for their future. For three weeks, Daniel mourned, fasted, and prayed. Then, a heavenly messenger appeared to him with a revelation. But here’s the astonishing part: the angel told Daniel that his prayers had been heard from the very first day, but the answer had been delayed due to a spiritual battle.

This passage reminds us that there is more to life than what we see.  Earthly events are often influenced by unseen spiritual forces. So, it is important to know that our prayers play a vital role in this cosmic struggle. Let’s explore three key lessons from this text.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

The angel told Daniel, “The prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me for twenty-one days” (Daniel 10:13). Who is this “prince of Persia”? This is not a human ruler but a spiritual entity, a demonic force exerting influence over the Persian Empire.

This reveals a profound truth: behind the scenes of human history, a spiritual battle is raging. The Apostle Paul affirms this in Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

What does this mean for us today? It means that conflicts, injustices, and struggles in our world are not merely the result of human decisions, there are unseen spiritual forces at work. They have infiltrated every sector of the society. We need to ask God to open the eyes of our heart to see, understand and act.  But here is the good news: God is still in control, and His angels are fighting on our behalf.

The Power of Persistent Prayer

Daniel prayed for 21 days without seeing an immediate answer. Yet, the angel assured him, “Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard” (Daniel 10:12).

This teaches us two crucial lessons about prayer:

God hears us immediately – Even when we don’t see results, our prayers are not ignored. God listens to every cry of His children.

Perseverance matters: Daniel did not stop praying after a day or a week. He remained steadfast, and his persistence paved the way for divine intervention.

Some Christians often expect instant results. But prayer is not a microwave, it’s sometimes a slow cooker. It requires patience, persistence, and faith. When we pray, we partner with God in His work, and our prayers can break through spiritual barriers. It is also important to maintain a righteous life while praying so that the enemy will have no legal authority over our life.

The Ultimate Victory of God’s Will

Despite opposition from the “prince of Persia,” an angel eventually arrived with God’s message. Why? Because Michael, the archangel, stepped in to help. This reminds us that no matter how fierce the battle, God’s will cannot be thwarted. And this is what satan, fallen angels and their collaborators do not want to accept. They continue to deceive so many souls.

The angel’s message to Daniel was about the future, a reminder that God’s plans extend far beyond our present circumstances. He sees the big picture, and His purposes will ultimately prevail. As Romans 8:28 assures us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Our world is filled with uncertainty. Let us grasp this message of hope: God is sovereign, and His kingdom will triumph. Our prayers, our faithfulness, and our trust in Him are part of that victory.

So, how does this apply to our lives? Here are three practical takeaways:

Be Aware of the Unseen: Let us recognize that life has a spiritual dimension. When you face challenges, remember that there may be more happening than meets the eye. Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and stand firm in faith.

Persist in Prayer: Let us not give up when answers seem delayed. Keep praying, keep seeking, and keep trusting. Your prayers are powerful and effective (James 5:16).

Trust in God’s Sovereignty: No matter how chaotic, divided and confused the world seems, God is in control. His plans will prevail, and His kingdom will come. Live with hope and confidence in His promises.

Conclusion

Sisters and Brothers, Daniel’s story reminds us that we are engaged in a great spiritual battle. Yet, our victory is assured. Our prayers matter. Our faithfulness matters. No matter how fierce the struggle, God's eternal will cannot be thwarted. In fact, when we surrender everything to Him in faith and total trust, the enemy is powerless to advance. They may rage and roar, but like dogs chained to a pillar, they can do nothing but bark from a distance.

Let us pray with persistence, live with hope, and trust in the God who sees the unseen and works all things for His glory.

May the Lord strengthen us to stand firm in faith, knowing that He is with us in every battle and that His victory is assured.

Amen.

 

« Os de mes os, chair de ma chair » : Redécouvrir le lien sacré entre l’homme et la femme. (Genèse 2,18-25)

 

Chers frères et sœurs, que la paix du Christ soit avec vous !

Je voudrais centrer ma méditation aujourd’hui sur le deuxième chapitre de la Genèse, qui nous offre un récit plus intime et détaillé de la création par rapport au premier. Contrairement à la vision grandiose et cosmique de Genèse 1, Genèse 2 nous présente un Dieu plein d’amour, façonnant l’homme à partir de la poussière et insufflant en lui le souffle de vie.

À ce stade, l’homme vit seul dans le jardin d’Éden, entouré de créatures, mais il lui manque une compagne qui lui soit assortie. Dans les cultures du Proche-Orient ancien, les récits de création décrivent souvent la formation des êtres humains à travers des combats ou des luttes entre divinités. Mais dans la Genèse, la création est un acte d’amour, culminant dans une relation unique, fruit de la sagesse et de la générosité divines.

L’initiative divine : « Il n’est pas bon que l’homme soit seul »

Pour la première fois dans le récit de la création, Dieu déclare que quelque chose n’est pas bon. Jusqu’à présent, chaque acte créateur était suivi de cette affirmation joyeuse : « Et Dieu vit que cela était bon » (Genèse 1,10, etc.). Mais ici, quelque chose est incomplet. Le mot hébreu lō-ṭôb signifie plus que « pas bon » ; il exprime une réalité inachevée, un manque de plénitude.

Dans son infinie sagesse, Dieu ne laisse pas l’homme dans sa solitude. Il déclare : « Je vais lui faire une aide qui lui soit assortie ». L’expression hébraïque ‘ēzer ke-negdô est souvent mal comprise. Le terme ‘ēzer (« aide ») ne signifie en aucun cas une position d’infériorité. En effet, ce même mot est employé pour désigner Dieu Lui-même comme l’aide d’Israël (Psaume 33,20 ; Deutéronome 33,26). Il exprime un soutien fort, un complément indispensable. Ke-negdô signifie littéralement « correspondant à lui », c’est-à-dire un être égal et distinct, un partenaire qui lui est à la fois semblable et complémentaire.

Le mystère profond de la création de la femme

Dieu ne façonne pas la femme à partir de la poussière de la terre, comme Il l’a fait pour l’homme. Il plonge Adam dans un profond sommeil et forme la femme à partir de son côté (ṣēlā‘). Ce mot, souvent traduit par « côte » en français, signifie aussi « côté » ou « partie d’une structure » en hébreu. Cela suggère non seulement un os, mais surtout une unité profonde : la femme est tirée de l’intérieur même de l’homme, soulignant ainsi leur communion et leur nature partagée.

Lorsque Adam contemple Ève, il s’exclame dans un émerveillement plein de reconnaissance : « Cette fois-ci, c’est l’os de mes os et la chair de ma chair ! On l’appellera ‘femme’ (ishshah), parce qu’elle a été tirée de l’homme (ish) ». Le jeu de mots en hébreu entre ish et ishshah traduit leur lien intime. L’homme et la femme sont deux moitiés d’un tout, appelées à avancer ensemble dans une relation de communion avec Dieu.

L’Alliance du mariage : Un retour à l’unité

Genèse 2,24 révèle la vérité fondamentale sur le mariage : « C’est pourquoi l’homme quittera son père et sa mère et s’attachera à sa femme, et ils deviendront une seule chair ». Ce verset établit le mariage comme une institution divine. L’expression « une seule chair » ne se limite pas à l’union physique ; elle exprime un don total de soi, un lien d’alliance qui reflète l’amour même de Dieu.

Nus et sans honte : L’harmonie originelle

Genèse 2,25 déclare : « L’homme et sa femme étaient tous les deux nus, et ils n’en avaient point honte ». Ce passage va bien au-delà de la nudité physique ; il révèle un état d’amour pur, de confiance et de communion, une relation exempte de peur, de culpabilité ou d’égoïsme. Avant que le péché n’entre dans le monde, Adam et Ève vivaient l’amour tel que Dieu l’avait voulu : un amour fondé sur le don total de soi et la transparence mutuelle.

Puissions-nous accueillir ce passage biblique comme une invitation à redécouvrir la sacralité des relations humaines. Nous savons combien le mot « amour » est souvent déformé par l’égoïsme, combien les relations sont parfois réduites à des échanges intéressés. Dieu nous appelle à retrouver la vision originelle de l’amour : un amour qui se donne, qui est réciproque et qui trouve sa source en Lui.

Il nous rappelle que nous sommes créés pour la communion, et non pour l’isolement, que ce soit dans le mariage, l’amitié ou la fraternité spirituelle.

Puissions-nous, comme Adam, apprendre à regarder l’autre avec émerveillement, respect et gratitude, reconnaissant dans toute relation humaine un reflet du divin. Amen.

 

 

Prière pour redécouvrir le lien sacré de l’amour

Seigneur Tout-Puissant,
Tu nous as créés par amour et pour l’amour,
nous façonnant à Ton image, appelés à la communion.
Dans Ta sagesse, Tu as vu qu’il n’était pas bon que l’homme soit seul,
et Tu lui as donné une compagne,
un lien de soutien mutuel et d’unité profonde.

Seigneur, apprends-nous à redécouvrir la sacralité de nos relations.
Donne-nous de voir l’autre avec respect et gratitude,
de reconnaître en chacun un don précieux de Ton amour.
Là où l’égoïsme a blessé l’amour, apporte la guérison.
Là où la division s’est installée, restaure l’unité.

Apprends-nous à aimer comme Toi Tu aimes—
avec sincérité, confiance et générosité,
afin que nos relations soient le reflet de Ta bonté divine.
Fais de nous des témoins de l’amour vrai,
cherchant toujours la communion et non l’isolement.

Nous Te le demandons par Jésus-Christ, notre Seigneur. Amen.🙏🙏🙏

 

“Bone of My Bones, Flesh of My Flesh”: Rediscovering the Sacred Bond between Man and Woman. (Genesis 2:18-25).

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Peace of Christ be with you!!!

I would like to focus my reflection today on the second chapter of Genesis, which offers us a more intimate and detailed account of creation compared to the first. Unlike the grand cosmic vision of Genesis 1, Genesis 2 paints a picture of a loving God who forms man from the dust and breathes life into him.

At this stage, man exists alone in the garden of Eden, surrounded by creatures but lacks a suitable companion. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, creation myths often depicted the making of humans through acts of war or the struggles of deities.[1] But in Genesis, creation is presented as an act of love, culminating in a unique relationship, born out of divine wisdom and generosity. 

The Divine Initiative: It is not Good that man should be alone”.

For the first time in creation, God declares that something is not good. Up until now, every act of creation was followed by God’s joyful affirmation: “And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10, etc.). But here, something is incomplete. The Hebrew word lō˗tôb means more than just “not good”; it implies something unfinished, lacking wholeness.

God, in His infinite wisdom, does not leave man in solitude. Instead, He declares: “I will make him a helper fit for him”. The Hebrew phrase ‘ēzer ke˗negdô is often misunderstood. “Helper” (‘ēzer) does not imply “inferiority”. In fact, the same word is used for God Himself as the helper of Israel (Psalm 33:20, Deuteronomy 33:26). It means a strong support, a complement. “Ke˗negdô” literally means “corresponding to him”, someone equal yet distinct, a partner who mirrors and completes him.

The Deep Mystery of the Creation of Woman.

God does not create the woman from the dust of the earth as He did with the man. Instead, He causes Adam to fall into a deep sleep, and from his side (sela ̒), He forms the woman. This word is often translated as “rib” in English. But in Hebrew, sela ̒ also means “side” or “part of a structure”. This suggests not merely a bone, but a profound oneness; the woman comes from within man, emphasizing their unity and shared nature.

When Adam beholds Eve, his response is one of wonder and recognition: “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman’ (ishshah), because she was taken out of man (ish). The Hebrew wordplay here between ish and ishshah shows their intrinsic connection. Man and woman are two halves of one whole, designed to journey together in communion with God.

 

The Covenant of Marriage: A Return to Unity

Genesis 2:24 reveals the fundamental truth about marriage: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse establishes marriage as a divine institution. The phrase “one flesh” signifies more than physical unity; it represents a total giving of self, a covenantal bond that reflects God’s own love.

Naked and Unashamed: The Original Harmony:

Genesis 2:25 states: “And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.” This verse speaks of more than physical nudity; it symbolizes a state of pure love, trust, and communion, a relationship without fear, guilt, or selfishness. Before sin entered the world, Adam and Eve experienced love as God intended: a love rooted in complete openness and mutual gift.

May we receive this biblical passage as an invitation to rediscover the sacredness of human relationships. We know how the word “Love” is often distorted by selfishness, relationships reduced to transactions. God is calling us back to the original vision of love, a love that is self-giving, mutual, and rooted in Him. It reveals that God made us for communion, and not for isolation, whether in marriage, friendship, or spiritual brotherhood and sisterhood.

May we, like Adam, learn to behold each other with wonder, reverence, and gratitude, recognizing in human relationship a reflection of the divine. Amen.

 

 

Prayer for Rediscovering the Sacred Bond of Love

Heavenly Father,
You created us in love and for love,
forming us to reflect Your divine communion.
In Your wisdom, You saw that it was not good for us to be alone,
and so You gifted us with companionship,
a bond of mutual giving and deep unity.

Lord, help us to rediscover the sacredness of our relationships.
May we see one another with reverence and gratitude,
cherishing the dignity You have placed within us.
Where selfishness has distorted love, bring healing.
Where division has entered, restore unity.

Teach us to love as You love—
with openness, trust, and a generous heart,
so that our relationships may be a reflection of Your divine goodness.
May we always seek communion, not isolation,
and live in the harmony for which You created us.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.🙏🙏🙏

 

---

[1] Dally Stephanie, Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others, Oxford University, 2000, 368p.

Le Véritable Combat est Intérieur : L'Enseignement de Jésus sur la Pureté qui Plaise à Dieu (Marc 7,14-23)

 

Chers frères et sœurs, que la paix du Christ soit avec vous !!!

Hier, nous avons vu Jésus dans une confrontation avec les pharisiens et les scribes, qui l’interrogeaient sur le fait que ses disciples ne respectaient pas la tradition du lavage rituel avant de manger. Leur préoccupation était centrée sur la pureté extérieure dictée par la coutume humaine. Mais Jésus, avec autorité divine, les a repris pour leur hypocrisie, en citant Isaïe :

« Ce peuple m’honore des lèvres, mais son cœur est loin de moi ; c’est en vain qu’il me rend un culte, en enseignant comme doctrines des commandements humains. » (Marc 7,6-7)

Les pharisiens avaient donné plus d’importance aux traditions religieuses qu’aux commandements de Dieu. Ils se focalisaient sur des actes extérieurs tout en négligeant la disposition intérieure du cœur. C’est dans ce contexte que Jésus s’est tourné vers la foule pour livrer un enseignement fondamental qui déplace l’attention de l’observance extérieure vers la réalité plus profonde du cœur humain.

Un message pour tous : Ce qui souille véritablement

S’adressant à la foule, Jésus déclare :

« Écoutez-moi tous, et comprenez bien ! Rien de ce qui est extérieur à l’homme et qui entre en lui ne peut le rendre impur. Mais ce qui sort de l’homme, voilà ce qui le rend impur. » (Marc 7,14-15)

Cette affirmation a dû bouleverser ses auditeurs. Depuis des siècles, les coutumes juives mettaient l’accent sur les lois de pureté : ce qu’il fallait manger, comment se laver et comment rester rituellement pur. Mais Jésus, avec sa sagesse divine, déplace le centre de gravité de la pureté extérieure à la sainteté intérieure. Le vrai problème, explique-t-il, ne vient pas de l’extérieur mais du cœur de l’homme.

Le cœur humain, laissé à lui-même, renferme toutes sortes d’impuretés. Jésus les énumère sans détour :

« Car c’est du dedans, du cœur de l’homme, que sortent les pensées mauvaises : inconduite, vols, meurtres, adultères, cupidité, méchanceté, fraude, débauche, envie, diffamation, orgueil, folie. Tout ce mal vient du dedans, et rend l’homme impur. » (Marc 7,21-23)

Cet enseignement ne s’adresse pas seulement aux pharisiens ou à la foule d’autrefois. Il est aussi un message pour chaque croyant aujourd’hui. La vraie sainteté ne concerne pas l’apparence extérieure. Elle ne dépend pas de ce que les autres voient en nous, mais de ce que Dieu voit en nous.

Un appel à la pureté intérieure

Cette parole de Jésus nous invite à une réflexion personnelle :

• Quel est l’état de mon cœur ?
• Suis-je plus préoccupé par mon apparence extérieure que par l’état spirituel de mon âme ?
• Suis-je fidèle aux pratiques religieuses tout en négligeant l’amour, la miséricorde et la justice ?

Trop souvent, nous risquons de tomber dans le piège d’une religiosité extérieure, alors que nos cœurs restent éloignés de Dieu. Nous pouvons observer les règles, prononcer les bonnes paroles, assister aux offices religieux, et pourtant garder en nous du ressentiment, de la jalousie, de l’orgueil ou du manque de pardon. Le véritable champ de bataille se trouve à l’intérieur de nous.

La sainteté ne consiste pas à soigner les apparences, mais à une transformation intérieure. Jésus ne cherche pas une simple performance religieuse. Il désire des cœurs véritablement convertis, purifiés et consacrés à Lui.

Le chemin vers un cœur renouvelé

Si le problème vient de l’intérieur, alors la solution doit aussi commencer de l’intérieur. La bonne nouvelle, c’est que Jésus ne se contente pas de révéler le problème, Il nous en offre également le remède. Il nous appelle à Lui remettre nos cœurs pour qu’Il puisse les purifier et les renouveler par sa grâce.

Le commandement de Dieu en Deutéronome 6,4-5 demeure inchangé :

« Écoute, Israël : le SEIGNEUR notre Dieu est l’Unique. Tu aimeras le SEIGNEUR ton Dieu de tout ton cœur, de toute ton âme et de toute ta force. »

Quand notre cœur est purifié de toute souillure, il devient le temple de Dieu, sa demeure, où sa présence règne et où son amour nous transforme de l’intérieur.

Je voudrais proposer ici quelques étapes concrètes pour purifier nos cœurs et expérimenter la présence constante de Dieu :

Examen de conscience quotidien

Comme le roi David, nous devons prier : « Ô Dieu, crée en moi un cœur pur, renouvelle en moi un esprit bien disposé. » (Psaume 51,12)

Repentance et confession

Lorsque nous reconnaissons le péché en nous, nous ne devons ni le justifier ni le cacher. La confession est la clé de la liberté intérieure. Un exorciste disait un jour que la confession des péchés auprès d’un prêtre est un moyen de libération plus puissant que l’exorcisme lui-même.

Remplir son cœur de la Parole de Dieu
Ce que nous consommons spirituellement nous façonne. Méditer les Écritures remplace les pensées mauvaises par des désirs saints.

Garder son cœur vigilant
Le livre des Proverbes 4,23 nous avertit :
« Garde ton cœur plus que toute autre chose, car de lui jaillissent les sources de la vie. »
Nous devons veiller sur ce qui nous influence : nos pensées, nos paroles, nos actions.

Se remettre à Christ chaque jour
La vraie pureté n’est pas le fruit de nos propres efforts, mais un don du Christ. Plus nous marchons avec Lui, plus nos cœurs sont transformés et accordés à Sa volonté.

Un culte qui plaît à Dieu

Au cœur de cet enseignement se trouve un rappel : Dieu désire un culte qui vient d’un cœur pur. Nous ne pouvons pas substituer des rites religieux à une véritable relation avec Lui. L’avertissement que Jésus adressait aux pharisiens nous est aussi adressé aujourd’hui.

Aujourd’hui, ouvrons nos cœurs au Christ jusque dans leurs recoins les plus profonds. Qu’Il vienne nous purifier, nous guérir et nous transformer, afin que notre adoration Lui soit agréable.

« Mais l’heure vient, et c’est maintenant, où les vrais adorateurs adoreront le Père en esprit et en vérité, car ce sont de tels adorateurs que recherche le Père. » (Jean 4,23)

Prions :

Seigneur Jésus, je Te remets mon cœur. Purifie-moi de tout ce qui me souille et fais de moi un instrument d’adoration véritable. Que mon amour pour Toi soit pur et que ma vie reflète Ta sainteté. Amen.🙏🙏🙏

« Heureux les cœurs purs, car ils verront Dieu. » (Matthieu 5,8)

 

The Real Battle is Within: Jesus’ Teaching on True Purity. (Mark 7:14-23).

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Peace of Christ be with you!!!

Yesterday, we encountered Jesus in a confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes who questioned Him about His disciples’ failure to observe the tradition of ritual washing before eating. Their concern was external purity followed by human custom. But Jesus, with divine authority, rebuked them for their hypocrisy, quoting Isaiah:

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.” 

(Mark 7:6-7)

The Pharisees had made religious traditions more important than God’s commandments. They focused on outward actions while neglecting the inner disposition of the heart. It was in this context that Jesus turned to the crowd and delivered a fundamental teaching that shifts the focus from mere external observance to the deeper reality of the human heart.

A Message for All: What Truly Defiles

Addressing the crowd, Jesus declares:

“Listen to me, all of you, and understand: nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” 

(Mark 7:14-15).

This statement must have shocked His listeners. For centuries, Jewish customs had emphasized purity laws, what to eat, how to wash, and how to remain ritually clean. But Jesus, with his divine wisdom, shifts the focus from external purity to interior holiness. The real problem, He explains, is not what enters from outside but what comes out from within.

The human heart, left unchecked, harbors all sorts of impurities. Jesus lists them plainly:

“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 7:21-23)

This is not just a lesson for the Pharisees or for the crowd of that time. It is a message for every believer today. True holiness is not about appearances. It is not about what others see in us but what God sees in us.

A Call to Interior Purity

This teaching forces us to reflect: What is the state of my heart? Am I more concerned with how I look on the outside than with the spiritual condition of my soul? Do I focus on religious practices while neglecting love, mercy, and righteousness?

Too often, we can fall into the trap of being externally religious while our hearts remain far from God. We can observe the rules, say the right words, attend church services, and yet harbor resentment, jealousy, pride, or unforgiveness. The real battlefield is within.

Holiness is not about managing appearances; it is about transformation from the inside out. Jesus is not interested in mere religious performance. He wants hearts that are truly converted, purified, and set apart for Him.

The Path to a Renewed Heart

If the problem is within, then the solution must also begin from within. The good news is that Jesus not only exposes the problem, He provides the remedy. He calls us to surrender our hearts to Him, allowing His grace to cleanse and renew us. God’s commandment in Deuteronomy 6: 4-5 remains unchanged: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” When our is cleansed from all impurity it becomes the temple of God, His dwelling place, where presence reigns and His Loves transforms us from within.  

I would like to suggest here few possible steps to help us curb our hearts of all impurities and experience God’s constant presence:

Daily Examination of Conscience, Like King David, we must pray: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

Repentance and Confession. When we recognize sin in our hearts, we must not justify it or hide it. Confession is the key to inner freedom. An exorcist once said that confession of sins before a priest is more important and powerful means of liberation compared to exorcism.

Filling the Heart with God’s Word. What we consume spiritually shapes us. Meditating on Scripture replaces sinful thoughts with holy desires.

Guarding the Heart, Proverbs 4:23 warns us: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We must be careful of what influences us, our thoughts, our words, and our actions.

Surrendering to Christ Daily.  True purity is not self-achieved but Christ-given. The more we walk with Him, the more our hearts are transformed and attuned to His Will.

Worship That Pleases God

At the core of this passage is the reminder that God desires worship that comes from a pure heart. We cannot substitute religious rituals for a true relationship with Him. Jesus’ challenge to the Pharisees is His challenge to us today:

Today, let us invite Christ into the deepest places of our hearts. May He cleanse, heal, and transform us so that our worship may be pleasing to Him,  and may we worship Him in spirit and in truth for God is really looking for those who will worship Him in this manner (John 4:23).

Let us PRAY

Lord Jesus, I surrender my heart to You. Cleanse me from all that defiles, and make me a vessel of true worship. Let my love for You be pure, and let my life reflect Your holiness. Amen."🙏🙏🙏

 

“Blessed are the Pure in Heart, for they shall see God”

(Matthew 5:8)