October 15, 2024
Today’s gospel: Luke 11:37-41
Jesus was dining with a Pharisee, who was surprised that Jesus did not wash his hands before the meal. Jesus 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.” (v.39). The Pharisees were the religious elite of Jesus’ day and were very meticulous in observing the law of Moses. Jesus looked on them as hypocrites, because they preached but did not practice.
This is much like today’s Church modernists. They talk of social justice and being nice and welcoming to everyone especially the marginalized, but neglect to look to the inner cleansing of the latter’s grave sins. They look to external relationships among humans, mouthing such noble goals as love, unity, peace, but not to the internal relationship of those humans with God. They are nice and accepting, but overlook such grave evils as abortion and active homosexuality.
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, saying, “You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?” (v.40). Cleaning the outside does not remove the rot inside, while on the other hand, cleaning the inside often results in external manifestations of virtue. One should of course cleanse both outside and inside. Indeed God is a God of justice and righteousness. Justice is of God while “social” justice is of man. Many liberals (especially in the West) in authority today look to helping the poor, but insist on forcing such evils as abortion and LGBT as part of aid packages.
If our relationship with God is right, then we will be led to do right by our neighbor, especially the marginalized and those in need. “But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” (v.41). This is what the two great commandments are about. The first is always love for God. Out of this will flow the second, which is love for neighbor.
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