Tuesday of the 5th week of Lent

Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 11:37-41

While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him, so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give as alms those things that are within and then everything will be clean for you.

Reflection

The encounter with the Pharisee, who is shocked by Jesus’ failure to perform a ritual washing before a meal, underscores the importance of inner purity over mere external compliance. Jesus emphasises that true virtue is not measured by outward rituals but by the cleanliness of the heart. This teaches us to focus on cultivating inner holiness, integrity, and compassion rather than merely adhering to external religious practices. Our actions should flow from a pure and loving heart, reflecting genuine faith and devotion.

Jesus advises giving as alms those things that are within, suggesting that acts of generosity and kindness purify both the giver and the receiver. This highlights the transformative power of selfless giving and compassion. Engaging in acts of charity and love helps cleanse our hearts of greed and selfishness, aligning us more closely with God’s will. By prioritizing generosity and empathy, we not only aid those in need but also nurture our own spiritual growth and sanctity.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.

– Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.