Daily Reading & Meditation

Scripture:  Luke 11:37-41

37 While he was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him; so he went in and sat at table.

38 The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner.

39 And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of extortion and  wickedness.

40 You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?

41 But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.

Meditation:

        Which is more important to God - clean hands or a clean mind and heart? Jesus chided the Pharisees for harboring evil thoughts that make us unclean spiritually - such as greed, pride, bitterness, envy, arrogance, and the like. Why does he urge them, and us, to give alms? 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. Do you allow God's love to transform your heart, mind, and actions toward your neighbor?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your love and increase my thirst for holiness. Cleanse my heart of every evil thought and desire and help me to act kindly and justly and to speak charitably with my neighbor."