First reading Romans 1:16-25
These people knew God and failed to honour him
I am not ashamed of the Good News: it is the power of God saving all who have faith – Jews first, but Greeks as well – since this is what reveals the justice of God to us: it shows how faith leads to faith, or as scripture says: The upright man finds life through faith.
The anger of God is being revealed from heaven against all the impiety and depravity of men who keep truth imprisoned in their wickedness. For what can be known about God is perfectly plain to them since God himself has made it plain. Ever since God created the world his everlasting power and deity – however invisible – have been there for the mind to see in the things he has made. That is why such people are without excuse: they knew God and yet refused to honour him as God or to thank him; instead, they made nonsense out of logic and their empty minds were darkened. The more they called themselves philosophers, the more stupid they grew, until they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for a worthless imitation, for the image of mortal man, of birds, of quadrupeds and reptiles. That is why God left them to their filthy enjoyments and the practices with which they dishonour their own bodies, since they have given up divine truth for a lie and have worshipped and served creatures instead of the creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen!
Responsorial Psalm 18(19):2-5
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God,
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
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.’
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A heart that loves
In today’s gospel, a Pharisee invited Jesus to dinner and was shocked when Jesus did not wash His hands. This reaction came from ritual washing required by the Law, which the Pharisees prioritised. Knowing the man’s thoughts, Jesus pointed out that while the Pharisees focused on cleaning the outside of cups and plates, they ignored their own hearts, filled with extortion and wickedness. Consequently, they missed the true essence of their faith in God.
Jesus invites us to examine the state of our hearts instead of focusing excessively on outward religious practices. A heart filled with love for God naturally extends that love to others. This is the essence of our Christian faith: living a life of practical love by selflessly reaching out to those in need. As we generously share our love, we find that our own hearts are not left feeling empty. In fact, the more we give of ourselves, the more we discover an overwhelming sense of joy and fulfilment, as God continually replenishes us with His infinite love.
Reflective question:
How can I practice giving love to those around me today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
