Jesus affirms that it is "from within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts" (Mk. 7:21-23) and all manner of evil. Believers are to habitually engage and examine our hearts to root out those seeds that will lead to evil and wrongdoing. If good seeds produce good fruit, then removing those seeds that lead to evil is mandatory.

The heart is the 'driving force' of our actions. We have a pressing obligation to intentionally ask the Lord to "purify our hearts" (Ps. 51:10). Everything starts with the choice we make. We have to want to love God, so that He can empower us to love Him and His ways. Our choice to love self and others allows grace for the good.

Lord Jesus, fill me with the grace and power of Your love, so that with a clean and purified heart, I may produce good fruits for Your honour and glory. Amen.

READINGS http://usccb.org/bible/readings/020718.cfm