What's Inside?

Readings for Tuesday October 13, 2009

First Reading: Romans 1:16-25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19
Gospel: Luke 11:37-41


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.” (Lk 11:37-41)

As a society, we seem to be so obsessed with our outward appearance; so much so that we tend to neglect what is on the inside. What's on the inside is what truly counts to God. Today, let us take a moment to reflect on what is inside each of us. What is in our hearts, is it things that is pleasing to God, or is it things that we hide and are ashamed of? If your heart is full of virtue, then may you ask God to increase those great gifts. If you heart is full of lies and sin, ask God to take it away, to help you let go of the impure things of your heart and replace it with things of Him.

May each of our hearts be filled with things from heaven, rather than the things of this world; because remember it is what's inside that is important.

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Thank you for your love and mercy, we are not deserving of this, but you choose to give it to us anyway. Lord, we praise you for all that we have and all that we are, may we always turn to you in both our times of peace and joy, as well as our times of need and despair. Lord, you alone are our God, may we always make you first in our life. Help increase our faith so that we may be better servants of you while on this earth. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.