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
“Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools!
The Pharisees invited Jesus to dine with them. What were their motives? Curiosity? Or were they attempting to ensnare Jesus? Their intentions become clear when they express surprise that Jesus did not follow the washing rituals before the meal. They believe he has violated the law. Jesus observes the Pharisees' reaction and tells them that they are not clean internally. They are using the law for their own selfish purposes.
You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?
Jesus' question reveals their motives and prompts them to understand that their God, their Creator, knows their hearts. Their intentions are wicked!
Nevertheless, Jesus loves them and instructs them on how to purify their hearts' intentions. He tells them..."But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you." His message is practical. He advises them to give alms. Alms are intended for the poor. It is an act of charity and shows love for their neighbors. Internal cleansing should stem from selflessness and caring for the poor. They need compassion to transform their hearts.
What matters before God is not what is visible to the eyes, but the inner cleanliness of our conscience, and a caring, forgiving, and loving heart! A perfect example of interior cleanliness is the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Today is October 13th. It marks the 109th anniversary of the miracle of the Sun in Fatima, Portugal. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children and urged them to pray the rosary to save souls and the conversion of Russia to her Immaculate Heart. They were to share Our Lady's message with the villagers. She promised the children a sign to convince the people. The "miracle of the Sun" was witnessed and recorded by 30,000 to 100,000 people.
Let us pray the rosary (today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries) for the conversion of all hearts.
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