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Gospel Reading for October 14, 2025 – Luke 11: 37-41
ENCOURAGES HYPOCRISY
After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. 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. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
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The Pharisees observed so many rituals which they made part of religious obligations in Judaism. Those of washing of hands before the meal, cleansing of cup and dish should actually have nothing to do with religion but health. Yet, they made all these part of their practice of Judaism, thus giving emphasis on the external rather than internal, which is the realm of spiritual life. These practices, because they are seen by others, ENCOURAGES HYPOCRISY.
Surely, there is nothing wrong with washing hands before meals and cleaning cups and dishes. What will make it wrong is if we think we can worship God better by doing these or if we believe that by doing so, our souls are also cleansed. God will not burden us with petty things because he loves us. No one who truly loves will burden the loved one, but instead will help the loved one be unburdened. As Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”.
Lord Jesus, unburden us of worldly cares, so we may focus on deepening our relationship with you!
