Today's Gospel passage sends us a very cautioning message: do not kill the truth, love and goodness in your heart for the sake of your reputation, power, self-achievement or success. These worldly and carnal desires in us paralyze us, prevent us from doing good and ultimately lead us away from the pathway to truth and love.

Our Lord Jesus often warns us to be constantly on guard, because he knows that, if we nurture, cultivate and give them space, the power of these carnal desires becomes irresistible. The best way to have enough strength to resist the attack of those carnal desires is to allow God to hold you and keep you safe.

Reading the Bible more often, participating in the liturgy, spending more time in prayer — all of these help us to direct our attention to the Lord, who can free us from slavery to our unholy desires and prompt us to do what is good and holy.