Galatians 5:1-6 ·
Psalm 118(119):41,43-45,47-48
Luke 11:37-41
WHY NOT CLEAN THE WHOLE CUP?
Our Teacher and Guide, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to his home for dinner. At that time, it was customary to perform an elaborate washing of hands before sitting at the table, though the practice held no spiritual significance. The host might have focused on the generosity of welcoming Jesus into his home as an expression of gratitude to God. Instead, his attention turned to the fact that Jesus had not washed his hands.
Our Lord responded strongly to this reaction, which risked overshadowing the host’s initial gesture of kindness and generosity. At the conclusion of today’s Gospel passage, the Lord teaches that charity is essential to spiritual cleanliness: “When you give alms, everything will be clean for you.” We are called to act with faith and conviction. Scripture teaches that charity removes a multitude of sins. Let us seek to be clean both inside and out, for cleanliness is next to godliness. The Pharisee in today’s Gospel knew Jesus and welcomed him into his home as a guest. Yet his response suggests that he had not fully embraced the path to salvation. The Lord was in his home, but perhaps not in his heart.
Dearly beloved in Christ, may our faith lead us to a deeper love for Christ. Our faith grows stronger when we devote ourselves to worshipping God, who has given all things to humanity. Let us offer everything back to him, the maker of all things, both visible and invisible. This is the faith we need to profess always.
Prayer for Peace
Lord Jesus Christ,
who are called the Prince of Peace,
who are yourself our peace and reconciliation,
who so often said,
‘Peace to you’,
grant us peace.
Make all men and women witnesses of truth,
justice, and brotherly love.
Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace.
Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee
and defend the great gift of peace.
May all peoples of the earth becomes as brothers and sisters.
May longed-for peace blossom forth
and reign always over us all.
Fr Joseph Osho