Gospel Reading: Lk 11:37-41
After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil.
You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
REFLECTION
Everything will be clean
I recall an advertisement (in Italy) for a mineral water brand that promised “beauty outside and cleanness inside.”
Presumably this was to underline that this brand of water, unlike other types, cleanses not only the inside, but also lets the effects of it to glow exteriorly in the person!
Jesus in the Gospel reminds the Pharisees and us that concern for ritual cleanliness or purity must be accompanied by moral uprightness – otherwise, it has really no value at all. This is very relevant nowadays when people are overly concerned, I think, with external beauty or purity, but I wonder if this is also accompanied by a real concern for moral integrity and effective charity.
Are you beautiful and clean outside and inside?
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2016,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.