Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 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.”
Inviting Jesus
1. The invitation. To invite someone for a meal is to share, to share your life with others, giving them time and opportunity to get to know you better. Jesus was invited. He attracted attention and they wanted to know him better. Today it would be good for you to think about who you invite into your life, who you let into your life. Do you allow yourself to be known, or are you a mystery to others? Don’t be afraid to show yourself the way you are, be authentic. Jesus had no trouble in showing himself naturally, authentically. You have to do the same. Don’t worry about what people might think or say. Don’t worry, they’ll talk about you anyway. Act naturally and let yourself be known.
2. Clean. Being clean is an inner rather than an outer attitude. It means removing from yourself anything that stains you. Remove that resentment that makes you dirty or those desires for revenge that only bring you restlessness and pain, rather than peace. Cleanse yourself of those things that don’t help you to be happy; look at yourself through God’s eyes, knowing that God is with you. Remember God’s mercy. One can recognize people who are clean from within because they are prudent when speaking, constant in prayer and have no interest in positions, nor do they want to meddle in other people’s affairs.
3. Real cleansing. You will really cleanse yourself when you give yourself to others, when you help others. There is no better therapy than helping someone in need, doing continuous acts of compassion. You could visit a nursing home, a home for the elderly and share time with them. You’ll see how beautiful life is and how it can be lived with joy. Visit a children’s hospital and share time with the kids and their parents. You’ll become aware of how many little ones are fighting for their lives and you’ll see moms and dads who spend hours next to their kids watching them breathe and are attentive to any discomfort. Sharing your time with them and becoming aware of other people’s struggles purifies you and makes you see life in a different way.
Something good is on the way! God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
