Today’s Gospel:  Luke 11: 37-41

REFLECTION
In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us to look inside first and foremost and not to be so concerned with the externals. Jesus reminds the Pharisees and ourselves that the external is not all there is to a person. It is what is inside that determines what kind of a person we are.

They say perception is reality ... and often it can be -- when we make efforts to create a  certain appearance to the outside world. We can do such a good job that we become what we were pretending to be!  This works in the material world but with our spiritual side it's a bit more difficult. While on the outside we can 'appear' to be leading an exemplary life -- our inner desires, motivations, resentments could be creating a different, hidden version of ourselves which is more the 'reality' of our true nature.

When we examine our hearts and minds and identify hindrances to love and healing, only then are we free to invite Jesus to come and fill the darkness with His light.  When we give freely and generously to those in need we express love, compassion, kindness, and mercy.  And if the heart is full of love and compassion, then there is no room for envy, greed, bitterness, and the like.  

Our faith calls us to leave the darkness behind and to live and be reflectors of eternal light. What matters to God is a clean heart and mind and not clean hands.

- MA

Today’s Reading:  Gal 5:1-6

PRAYER
Father Almighty, let your love fill my life and increase my thirst for holiness.  Help me to act kindly and justly and to speak charitably with my neighbor.  Cleanse me of every evil thought; may my heart always desire what you will for me.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.