Ord.Wk 28th: Tuesday 13th October, 2020 October 13, 2020
Reflection on the WORD
Authenticity – Faith: In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenged the Pharisees to be authentic in the practice of the faith. Their external display of religiosity must be in harmony with their hearts’ desire to praise, reverence and serve God in the way they lived daily. Are we consistent in the living of our faith?
Luke 11:37-41
Jesus had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to dine at his house. He went in and sat down at table. The Pharisee saw this and was surprised that he had not first washed before the meal.
But the Lord said to him, ‘You Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness. Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too? Instead, give alms from what you have and, look, everything will be clean for you.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees for following the ceremonial laws externally and not following the internal laws of their hearts of charity, compassion and justice for all peoples.
- Thus, Jesus urged them to practise the “internal laws” through giving “alms” to the needy. When we share our possessions freely and generously to those in need, God’s compassion and mercy is felt through us.
- A heart that is full of love and compassion has no room for envy, greed, bitterness, and the like. Allow God's love and mercy to transform you more fully.