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TUESDAY OF THE TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, OCTOBER 13, 2026

REFLECTION: LUKE 11:37-41

THEME: WHOLESOME HOLINESS

During the time of Jesus, there were religious washing rituals demanded by Jewish laws and custom. One must wash their hands before eating food, before prayer, and after returning from public places like the market and any public gatherings. Not for bodily cleanliness but for religious purity. Before entering sacred areas everyone must wash their hands and feet(Exodus 40:30-32). If anyone came in contact with any dead body, or had skin disease or bodily discharges, they were required to dip their whole body into water to cleanse them of ritual impurities. 

The pharisees and the Scribes extended such biblical purity laws to everyday items like washing of cups, pitchers,  kettles, and dining couches(Mark 7:3-4).

In today's gospel, Jesus was invited to a meal by a pharisee. He decided to  eat food without washing his hands just to use the opportunity to teach the pharisees and everyone around to learn something new. As soon as they picked on him, he taught the pharisees that God is more interested in internal purity than in outward washing of hands, plates, and cups.

Jesus did not say that we should not wash our hands before we eat. He did not say we should not wash our plates, cups, pitchers, and others. Rather, judging from how the Pharisees and the Scribes policed people for outward washing, Jesus teaches that corruption and evil thoughts come from within us and not from religious washing of  hands, feet, and cups. We should pay more attention to the thoughts going on within us than those outside show of ablutions. 

By so doing, we develop wholesome holiness. By so doing, we become clean both inside and outside. By so doing,  we become true Christians in word and indeed.

O Lord, set us free from hypocrisy. May we desire to be clean both in our hearts and in our daily encounters with people. These are more important than religious outward purifications.

Jesus Loves You!