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.”
Real cleansing
1. Invited to dinner. A dinner invitation is a chance to meet, relax, and unwind. It’s important in life to take it easy sometimes and not always be moving at a hundred miles an hour. However, you also need to be prudent and careful, because there’s always someone watching and trying to twist what you say or do. Don’t feel obligated to accept every invitation. But when you do accept something, think carefully about the consequences or conditions. A phrase I live by is: “I’d rather be poor and free than rich and enslaved.” Some people might be willing to pay for your life, but they come with conditions that can end up suffocating you or demanding that you live for them. So, pay close attention to what you accept and the true price it demands.
2. He was amazed. It’s common for people to have an opinion about us and focus on small details. I know I experience that – they even notice if my hair is combed or not. The key is figuring out how much you let what people say affect you, and how much you can really do to stop them from talking about you in the first place. Life itself is a challenge, and challenges require decisions, and decisions mean taking things on and giving things up. Therefore, there will always be someone who questions you, someone who dislikes you, and someone who feels that complicating your life is good, or even necessary. They will always be there, but you must learn that your life isn’t defined by them.
3. Give. Something I’m learning is that life becomes beautiful when you give without first expecting to receive. I’m reminded of the story of Father Damian. A ship captain once visited some islands in Central America, near Haiti, and was amazed to see drip irrigation, well-built houses, and even communication antennae. He was astounded by all the progress. He asked the local people, “How did you do all this?” and they replied, “It’s because of Father Damian.” The captain said, “I’d like to meet him.” They took him to an incredible hospital and said, “This is Father Damian’s great work.” The captain said, “I want to see him.” Then they took him to the island’s radio and communication center. “This is also Father Damian’s work.” The captain insisted, “But I want to go to where he lives.” They showed him the chapel he had built, and he was amazed, but he finally said, “I want to talk to him.” They then said, “Oh, but Father Damian died many years ago.” The best way to be remembered and leave a lasting legacy is to do good deeds without expecting anything in return, because you are happier giving than accumulating. Just like in the story of Father Damian, your life rests on the great works you do for others.
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.
