A reading from the gospel according to Luke 11:37-41
37 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat.
38 The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.
39 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.
40 You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?
41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
Reflection: Cleanliness
Good News: Give alms and everything will be clean for you.
The Pharisees washed their hands before and after eating not because they really wanted to be clean but to follow the tradition and to appear religious. Jesus did not observe the tradition not because He was against it but because He wanted to use the occasion to preach. He knew in advance what the reaction of the Pharisee and He was familiar with his thought patterns. It was a perfect moment to drive home the point of hypocrisy.
The word hypocrite originated from the Greek word hypokrites which means “an actor” or “a stage player.” It refers to someone who put on a show. Nowadays, it means someone whose actions contradict his words or stated beliefs.
The Pharisees were known for their dedication to follow the laws of Moses. This is something admirable except that their hearts were far from the real spirituality that love and compassion demand. And so Jesus tells the Pharisee that although the latter cleanses the cup and the dish, his heart was evil.
Today, we are told to wash our hands more thoroughly and regularly because of the pandemic. Some people even carry with them sanitizers and alcohol to be applied where it is necessary. These are advisable protective measures but it is more important to sanitize our heart and mind with the power of forgiveness and love. When the inside is filled with positive vibes, it will become obvious outside. We become naturally compassionate and generous. By giving alms to the needy, Jesus promises that everything will be clean for us.
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In the Gospel reading above, we find Jesus dining with a Pharisee who is surprised that Jesus did not perform the traditional handwashing before the meal. Jesus uses this moment to address a deeper issue: the focus on external rituals at the expense of inner transformation.
Jesus is challenging the Pharisees’ obsession with outward religious practices while neglecting the condition of their hearts. They meticulously followed rules, but their hearts remained far from God. They were more concerned about how they appeared to others than about the purity and sincerity of their devotion.
The Pharisees were known for their strict observance of the law, but Jesus pointed out that their devotion was superficial. They were like a cup that is spotless on the outside but dirty on the inside. This metaphor speaks powerfully to the human tendency to focus on appearances, whether in religion or in life. We can become so preoccupied with how things look on the outside—our behavior, our words, or our reputation—that we lose sight of the inner state of our hearts.
Jesus reminds us that God is not just the Creator of our outer lives, but also of our inner being. The condition of our hearts—the source of our thoughts, attitudes, and motivations—is what truly matters to God. No amount of external piety or ritual can substitute for a heart that is filled with love, humility, and generosity.
Jesus’ words highlight the importance of inner purity. He doesn’t discard the importance of rituals, but He makes it clear that they must flow from a sincere heart. A heart that is in alignment with God’s will is not merely concerned with following rules but is genuinely compassionate, kind, and selfless.
When Jesus tells the Pharisees to “be generous to the poor,” He is pointing them toward a heart of mercy and love for others. True purity, Jesus says, is found in acts of love, compassion, and justice. It is the outpouring of a heart transformed by God, not the mechanical performance of rituals.
This message is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. Many times, we might feel tempted to “clean the outside of the cup” — to maintain an appearance of righteousness, or to go through the motions of religious duties. However, God calls us to look deeper. He invites us to examine our hearts and motives, asking whether our actions are rooted in love for Him and for others.
Rather than focusing on appearances, let us be people who cultivate hearts of purity, humility, and generosity. Let our devotion to God be expressed not just in religious rituals but in how we treat others especially the vulnerable and the poor.
As we reflect on Jesus’ words in this passage, may we commit ourselves to a faith that is not just outwardly practiced but inwardly transformative. Let us strive to align our hearts with God’s love, allowing His grace to make us clean from the inside out.
