Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 13,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Luke 11:37-41

As Jesus spoke, a certain Pharisee invited Him to dine with him, and He went in and sat down for the meal. The Pharisee reacted when He did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.  And Jesus said to him, “You Pharisees make the outside of the cup and platter clean, but your inward part is full of evil. You fools. Did not He who made of the outside also make what is within? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold everything will be clean for you.”

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

Do I focus too much on what others can see and not enough on what only I and the LORD know to be? 

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

In today’s gospel, Jesus speaks to us about the hollowness of outward gestures and religious observances if our hearts are impure and in need of purification. Jesus reminds us of the call to love our LORD and one another and that that love expressed will purify us from within.

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

LORD, you have created us, both inside and out. You alone can see into my heart and mind and soul. Forgive me for those times when I rely only on outward appearances. Help me to be honest about myself, especially before You. Teach me true righteousness and holiness that flows from authentic love. Transform my heart and mind and soul. Open me to your love more fully and press me to share that love freely with others. Cleanse me from within, LORD. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more