Today's Readings.

St. Josephine Bakhita

In yesterday's reading, Christ sets the record straight on the observance of the Jewish law. He clearly tells the Pharisees that its not what the disciples are eating or how they eat it that makes them good or bad. In today's Gospel, he continues to emphasize the point with his followers. It's not what goes in, but what comes out of us that is what is important.
One more thing: My preschooler went on a bit of a hunger strike over the last few weeks. My husband assured me that all our other kids went through that phase too, but still I worried about it. In fact, I observed over the last few days that I'm a  little bit like the Pharisees sometimes, getting caught up in the human ritual, the mom mantra of "Wash your hands, eat your veggies, brush your teeth..." I really need to focus on their heart and what is coming out of my little people. I need to listen the their words a little more, and observe their actions. When their 'love' diet is deficient, I need to bolster them up and feed them some love so they can share it with others. Oh, and  my husband was right, my little guy is eating again.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you teach us that it is what is on the inside that counts. Help me to focus on the heart food for myself and my family so that we are spiritually healthy and reflect your love for us to others. In your precious name I pray, Amen. St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for me.