“The things that come out from within are what defile.”

Today’s readings invite us to look honestly at the heart, the hidden place where our thoughts are formed, our desires take shape, and our actions are born. Jesus is very clear in the Gospel: what truly defiles a person is not what comes from outside, but what rises from within. This teaching cuts through a religion of appearances and calls us to a deeper, more demanding conversion. In the first reading, the Queen of Sheba comes to Solomon attracted by his fame and wisdom. She is overwhelmed not just by his wealth, but by the order, justice, and reverence for God she sees in his kingdom. What impresses her is not merely external splendor, but the inner wisdom that flows outward in Solomon’s life. His heart, formed by God, produces words and actions that give life to others. This beautifully echoes the Responsorial Psalm: “The mouth of the just murmurs wisdom… the law of his God is in his heart.” What is in the heart eventually comes out in speech, behavior, and relationships. Jesus takes this truth further and makes it personal. He names the things that truly defile: evil thoughts, greed, envy, arrogance, deceit. These are not things we catch from the outside; they grow quietly within us if we are not attentive. We may keep religious rules, look good to others, and even perform holy actions, yet still carry within us resentment, pride, lust, or bitterness. Jesus is not interested in surface holiness. He wants transformed hearts. For us today, this is both challenging and hopeful. Challenging, because it means we cannot hide behind appearances. We must ask: What is really living in my heart? What thoughts do I entertain? What desires shape my decisions? What comes out of my mouth when I am tired, angry, or afraid? Those moments reveal the true condition of the heart. But this teaching is also full of hope. If what comes from within can defile, then what comes from within, when healed by grace, can also sanctify. A heart rooted in God produces wisdom, mercy, patience, and truth. Like Solomon, when we allow God to shape our inner life, our outward life becomes a blessing to others. The Alleluia reminds us: “Your word, O Lord, is truth: consecrate us in the truth.” God’s Word does the work of purification. Through prayer, the sacraments, and honest self-examination, the Lord enters the deepest parts of us, not to condemn us, but to heal and renew us. Today, let us ask for the grace of a heart, a heart made new. May the law of God truly live within us, so that what comes out of us is not defilement, but wisdom, compassion, and life for the world.