28th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Reflection on the WORD

“Genuine Faith”: Jesus challenged the Pharisees who invited Him to dine, with them, to “first clean the inside of a cup, instead of hypocritically observing the rituals of cleaning its outside; as with their lives being “filled with extortion and wickedness, in the inside. Ponder on, “Genuine faith, is found in our hearts; not in the glamour of showing others that we are ‘holy’”.

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.