Purity

"He who aspires to the grace of God must be pure, with a heart as innocent as a child’s.”

— St. Nicholas of Flue

 

 

 

1) What is purity of heart?
- In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph 2518-19) tells us:
- “Pure in heart” refers to those who have attuned their intellects and wills to the demands of God’s holiness, chiefly in three areas:
     - charity
     - chastity
     - love of truth and orthodoxy of faith
- There is a connection between purity of heart, of body and of faith
- Purity of heart is the precondition of the vision of God.
- Even now, it enables us to see according to God, to accept others as “neighbours”…
- Purity of heart aids in our ultimate goal of seeing God, and in our immediate circumstances of seeing others through God’s eyes

2) As a child
- The innocence of a child allows an unencumbered view of the world
- We have to let go of selfish motives, and preconceived notions, and be willing to share the Gospel with purity of intention

3) Seek the intercession of our Blessed Mother
- The Blessed Virgin Mary is always there to accompany us on our journey.
- She is an incredible example of purity of intention, and purity of heart.
- When we seek her help and intercession, Mary is able to guide us in our conversations and interactions with those who do not yet know her Son.

Download this PDF handout on Purity ›

 

FURTHER READING: John Paul II’s Homily from Sandomiercz June 1999 ›

PRAYER: Ask for the grace to approach others with the pure intention of sharing God’s love with them. Download a PDF on Lectio Divina ›

ACTION: Make a resolution to pray the rosary daily and seek Mary’s intercession.

The theme 'Developing an Evangelical Heart' was inspired by the Companions of the Cross course on Evangelization. To order the full course, or to order the 2011 Companions calendar 'Developing an Evangelical Heart' call our office:
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