These weekly reflections are what I believe the Holy Spirit gives me based on Sunday’s readings. I’m a day late recording this one and I thought that was because family was in town this weekend. But now I know the Holy Spirit had me wait for today’s Gospel reading. Amen – come Holy Spirit!
That reading is in Luke 11: 37-41. Here we see Jesus invited to dine with a Pharisee. Maybe Jesus was a little too casual for him. He went straight in and reclined at the table, not taking the time to observe the prescribed washing ritual. The Pharisee was aghast!
You know the story. Jesus calls the man out for expressing his displeasure of Jesus’s ignoring the external practices of cleanliness. This essentially exposes the internal clutter in the Pharisee’s heart. He is obviously more concerned about the things of this world, about how he looks to others, the external show. Aren’t we all guilty of that sometimes?
Now watch what Jesus says at the end of the passage. In verse 41, He instructs, “But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” This man’s soul needed cleaning and almsgiving is the cleansing agent. He needed a change of heart.
Jesus will go on to tell us in the next chapter that where our treasure is, there also will be our heart (Lk 12:34). Giving alms provides for our treasure to go to the needs of the poor. It changes our heart. When we give to the poor, our hearts begin to fall in love with them as the sisters and brothers in Christ that they are. This is so much more important to our spiritual wellbeing than what anyone thinks about what we wear, what car we drive, or the social engagements we attend.
So, give alms and be made clean.
Give to express your love for those most vulnerable.
Give because INYM.
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
Podcast: Play in new window | Download