Truth over pretence
Romans 1:16–25; Psalm 18; Luke 11:37–41
Holiness comes from the inside, not a mere show of externalities. You may jam your hands on your chest very religiously, with your eyes closed and your head slightly bent towards your shoulder, as in a spiritual gesture, but in total pretence and faithlessness.
Holiness is not your white suit and big Bible, even though they are necessary. Holiness is actually a clean hand and a pure heart. Jesus emphasized this when he addressed the Pharisees, who desired to wash the outside of a cup while the inside remained dirty. We must endeavor to tackle the greed and wickedness inside of us. St. Paul warns about God’s wrath against sinful humanity, who suppress the truth by their wickedness (Rom. 1:18).
Again, “The Pharisee was amazed to see that Jesus did not first wash before dinner.” Nowadays, hand washing and sanitizing are constantly emphasized. Beyond physical hygiene, Christ emphasizes internal hygiene. Hence, we must not joke with our hygiene; learn to be clean not just before meals but frequently; and let your heart be clean as well. ‘Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God’ (Matt 5:8).
Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch, a bishop. His writings, together with those of other early church fathers, defined the sacramental and hierarchical nature of the church. Before his death, he wrote seven letters wherein he passionately stressed the importance of church unity, the dangers of heresy, and the surpassing importance of the Eucharist as the “medicine of immortality.” St. Ignatius was mauled to death by lions.
Let us pray
Father, help us to be true worshipers. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we overcome the pretense in our hearts and minds. Direct and keep us throughout this day. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
