In the first reading, we are reminded that man does not really decide what is right and what is wrong. Man is bound by God’s commands and by moral limitations.

Guard your hearts and minds. At a time of many Jewish laws and traditions, most of them related to preparing and eating, Jesus simplified things by declaring that all foods were clean. Jesus stressed that uncleanness came from our minds and hearts and not from what we ate.

Even today, preparing for a prayer meeting or assembly, at times we may be more concerned about the food and refreshments.

Jesus warns us that evil designs come from our hearts and minds, not from what we eat. What do we do when we are tempted with an evil thought or judgment about another? What do we do when we deal with people we do not really like? Are we ready to think positively of others? Are we ready to be careful in making judgments on others and on what they do and make sure we have adequate knowledge?