First reading Galatians 5:1-6
It is faith, not the Law, that justifies us
When Christ freed us, he meant us to remain free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. It is I, Paul, who tell you this: if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you at all. With all solemnity I repeat my warning: Everyone who accepts circumcision is obliged to keep the whole Law. But if you do look to the Law to make you justified, then you have separated yourselves from Christ, and have fallen from grace. Christians are told by the Spirit to look to faith for those rewards that righteousness hopes for, since in Christ Jesus whether you are circumcised or not makes no difference – what matters is faith that makes its power felt through love.
Responsorial Psalm 118(119):41,43-45,47-48
Lord, let your love come upon me.
Lord, let your love come upon me,
the saving help of your promise.
Do not take the word of truth from my mouth
for I trust in your decrees.
I shall always keep your law
for ever and ever.
I shall walk in the path of freedom
for I seek your precepts.
Your commands have been my delight;
these I have loved.
I will worship your commands and love them
and ponder your statutes.
Gospel Luke 11:37-41
Give thanks for what you have and it will all be clean
Jesus had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to dine at his house. He went in and sat down at the table. The Pharisee saw this and was surprised that he had not first washed before the meal. But the Lord said to him, ‘Oh, you Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness. Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too? Instead, give alms from what you have and then indeed everything will be clean for you.’
A Heart Set Free
In today’s Gospel, a Pharisee was surprised when Jesus did not perform the customary ritual washing before the meal. Jesus used this moment to reveal a deeper truth: it is possible to appear clean and faithful outwardly while allowing the heart to remain filled with greed, selfishness, anger or unkindness.
This message remains relevant today. We may focus on how others see us or on following religious practices, yet still hold onto resentment, jealousy, pride or the need to control. Jesus invites us to look honestly within and allow God to cleanse us from the inside. A heart that is free means letting go of whatever prevents us from loving fully. When our hearts are free, our words and actions reflect compassion, generosity and love.
Reflective question:
What must I let go of so that my heart may be free to love God and others more fully?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
