“But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” — Luke 11:41

 

📖 Readings for October 14, 2025

First Reading – Romans 1:16-25

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… For in it the righteousness of God is revealed… because, though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks; but they became futile in their thinking…” USCCB

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims his handiwork… Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” USCCB

Gospel – Luke 11:37-41

After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined. 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.” USCCB

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🌟 Verse of the Day

“But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” — Luke 11:41

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Reflection

I. Introduction

Our outward appearances and religious observances are not sufficient on their own. Today Jesus challenges us to examine our interior life. True holiness is not just external conformity, but inner integrity, justice, and mercy.

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II. The Gospel Passage and Its Context

Jesus shares a meal at a Pharisee’s house. The host is impressed that Jesus does not follow ritual purification. Jesus turns the moment into a lesson: external cleansing means little if the heart is corrupt. He calls for almsgiving and justice as a means to cleanse what is hidden.

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III. Connection with Romans & the Psalm

• In Romans, Paul warns against knowing God yet not honoring Him in thought or deed. A faith without gratitude or right conduct is hollow.

• The Psalm reminds us that God’s glory is revealed in creation. His voice reaches all the earth. So too must our inner life bear witness to that glory.

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IV. Deeper Reflections

• It’s possible to do many religious acts outwardly yet have inner decay—unforgiveness, greed, pride.

• Jesus links purity with justice: “give alms” is not optional — it transforms what is inward.

• The external and internal must align. God sees the heart. His standards are not superficial.

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V. Practical Applications

1. Examine your heart today: are there hidden sins, grudges, desires not reconciled?

2. Practice concrete charity — give to someone in need, especially anonymously.

3. Allow acts of mercy to purify your motives, not to feed your ego.

4. Remember that God values the interior more than the exterior — live from within out.

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VI. Conclusion

Outward religiosity without inner transformation is incomplete. The Lord calls us not just to wash our cups, but to cleanse our hearts through mercy and justice. Let us respond by aligning our interior with our exterior, letting God’s grace make us truly clean.

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🙏 Prayer for the Reader & the Philippines

Heavenly Father,
You know the depths of our hearts. Forgive us for times we have sought to appear holy while neglecting what is within. Give us generosity, justice, and compassion. Transform our inner life so that our outward life may reflect You.

We also lift up our beloved Philippines and all its people. Protect us from disasters—earthquakes, storms, floods. Shelter our homes, our communities, our nation.

We pray for true positive change in governance. May honesty, integrity, and genuine service prevail in our leaders. May corruption be uprooted and justice flourish. Heal our land, God, and free us from tyranny of selfishness and wrongdoing.

May Your light shine in the Philippines, and may her people walk daily in Your truth and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.