Clean Insides?

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.” (Luke 11:37-41)

I admit that when I clean my coffee cup, I pay more attention to the outside rather than the inside.  Coffee stains do tend to build up.  I like large mugs with catchy slogans such as: “Cup of the Bay” and “With God All Things Are Possible.”  I also like mugs with pictures or photos that bring back fond memories such as of our little dog, Mary Lou, God bless her for 14 years of companionship.  She died this year.  

Many of us also take great pride in how we look from the clothes we wear, to make-up, and our hair styles.  Our outsides must be pleasing to the eye.  It’s part of our social status.  Most of us, however, are not so careful about what goes on in our head where “plunder and evil” can lurk.  Nasty thoughts tied to jealousy, anger, and deceit can fill our heads.

What goes on inside our heads is strongly influenced by what we put into our heads – what we read and what we view.  To what group do we belong also has a dramatic effect.  For example, what do Catholics put inside?  This is a challenging question for all of us so close to November 3 and for those who already have voted.  Does Jesus exclaim, “You fools!” 

On what basis would he label us fools?  If we use our faith and votes to protect and empower the weak, marginalized, and downtrodden, then Jesus would not call us fools.   Do we embrace Matthew 25?  If not, Jesus would call us fools.  Are we single issue Catholics?  If so, Jesus would look at us askance.

The maker of our outsides also made our insides.   Have plunder and evil taken hold?  

Deacon David Pierce