Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 15, 2024

Date: Tuesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of St. Teresa of Avila

Scripture Text:  Luke 11:37-41

After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel recounts Jesus’ response to a Pharisee’s criticism that Jesus had not complied with the ritual hand washing before eating his meal. Jesus points to the need to purify what is within us rather than what is outside us.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I give as much attention and thought to my internal life as I do to my external life? Do I seek to rid myself of internal impurities?

Praying:

LORD, be with me this day and send your Spirit to illuminate my mind and heart so that I might focus more on who I called to be. Give me the humility and courage to acknowledge those things within me that demand attention so that I might grow in my love for You and for others. Increase my desire to seek your will, to cooperate with your divine plan for my salvation, and to joyfully live as You call me to live. Amen.