Everything will be clean for you

Rom. 1:16-25, Lk. 11:37-41. According to Paul in today's first reading, the visible manifestation of God’s power in the created world leads the mind to know the Creator. Paul’s mind is full to bursting as he glides from one aspect of salvation to another. His ideas come into focus in one key theme, that the just person lives by faith. For him, faith implies fidelity and trust over the long run. He sees the capacity for faith as imbedded in each person’s soul. True to his Jewish tradition, “justice” is a basic value for Paul. It means that God, humanity and the entire created universe should live up to their proper nature. Actions flow from nature. God is just by keeping the covenant with His people. When Paul says that the Gospel reveals “the justice of God which begins and ends with faith,” he means to say that God’s fidelity is the firm foundation for our faith and our hope.

Jesus calls for the active expression of faith through works of love. In today's Gospel, Jesus insists that the inside of the cup is more important than what is outside, as generosity is more essential than the washing of hands. We should give whatever we can as alms. We are to care for the needy and be generous to them: “everything will be clean for you.” This is a curious thought. Hygiene and cleanliness are more of a challenge for poor people than for the more leisured class. The poor work longer hours, are involved with dirt, grease and dust and do not have as easy access to washing facilities. Was this why Jesus had not washed His hands before sitting down to eat at the Pharisee’s house? The warning “not to miss the wood for the trees” tells us not to lose sight of the essentials. An example of this was when a Pharisee who had invited Jesus to a meal was taken aback that his guest did not wash His hands before eating. Why not observe the usual Jewish rituals? In answer, Jesus accuses the Pharisees as a group of being preoccupied with external rules while ignoring some essential values, such as giving alms to the poor. In our faith, we constantly need to keep returning to the basic. Our faith in Jesus is proven by love, letting the love of Christ flow through us to others.

May the Lord help us to be drawn deeper into a faith-filled relationship with God and help us discern reflections and thoughts of our hearts as we engage in relationships with one another! Amen!! Good morning, peace be with you!!!