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.
— LK 11:37-41
The peace of the Lord be with you. In the history of psychology, probably one of the most studied topics has to do with motivation. What causes us or prompts us to do the things that we do?
Today Jesus points out that it is the state of our heart that has much to do with the way we act and interact. He invites us once again to check our motives for what we do. Are we doing something because it moves us closer to God? Are we doing something simply because it’s the way we have typically done it without really understanding why?
Jesus wants us to be careful about what motivates us. He invites us to do and to be grateful for the things that bring us in closer relationship to each other and our heavenly father.
May God grant us the grace today to move more deeply into the mystery of his love and share that goodness with those we meet. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.