October 12, 2005
Lk 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.”
The inside of a person is the most important part to be clean. Exterior practices miss the most important part. Acts of kindness will clean the interior. It still is a bit surprising that Jesus would not wash his hands before the meal. It is a bit puzzling to me. Some readings have meanings the remain partly hidden. This is one for me.
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.”
The inside of a person is the most important part to be clean. Exterior practices miss the most important part. Acts of kindness will clean the interior. It still is a bit surprising that Jesus would not wash his hands before the meal. It is a bit puzzling to me. Some readings have meanings the remain partly hidden. This is one for me.
posted by Joan Morris at 6:00 AM
