17 October, 2023 | Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

 Gospel Lk 11:37-41

 

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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."

Reflections:

Jesus accepted the invitation of the Pharisee so that he could give him his time and attention. It was also an opportunity to share with him his message of love.

The Pharisee instead, carefully observed Jesus to see if he kept all the rules and regulations. Many of the Pharisees placed great importance in obeying a complex system of religious practices. In contrast, God places importance on two laws: being generous in our love for God and in our love for another. It can be very challenging for us to give our time, money, attention or possession to help others. Such generosity can only come from a heart that is open to God, whose generosity is not only far greater than ours, but also contagious. Nothing demonstrates the Father’s generosity more graphically than the gift of his Son who in his turn gave up his life to rescue us from sin.

Activity: 

Make a special effort of acknowledgement of a person  you usually reject