Things That Defile Us
2018년 9월 2일Some Protestant denominations forbid smoking and drinking alcohol. They are surprised by, and sometimes critical of, Catholics because the Church allows these things. (Who knows? Maybe they’re just jealous!) Yet you’d be surprised how many Catholics still confess smoking cigarettes—or marijuana— or drinking alcohol. Smoking weed is still against the law, but it is technically not a sin. Like jaywalking or going over the speed limit, these may be potentially dangerous, but they are not in themselves sins.
Why not, you ask. Today’s gospel holds the answer. Jesus says what we put into our mouths does not defile us. Rather, what comes out of our mouths makes us unclean in the eyes of the Lord. Lies, gossip, slander, cursing, profanity, vulgarity— all these comes out of our hearts through our mouths. As my scandalized classmate used to say if she heard me swear: “Do you pray with those lips?”
We would never think of putting the Blessed Sacrament inside a garbage can. So why do we let foul language come out of our mouths within hours (if not minutes) of receiving Holy Communion? Let the power of the Eucharist cleanse our mouths, minds and hearts so that everything we say, think or do gives glory to God. Yes, you should stop smoking, but for health reasons. And drinking should be done responsibly. But let what comes forth from our mouths be proof we truly believe in the Lord Jesus.