Out of the Abundance of the Heart

 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.” Luke 11:39

How harsh Jesus’ words to the Pharisee who was merely amazed that Jesus did not do the ritual hand washing before eating. This practice called netilat yadayim is rooted in ancient traditions of spiritual cleanliness and purity. Although this was prescribed for priests at first, it was later extended to all Jews. Water is poured over each hand, from a cup or pitcher until the wrists are wet. If one eats at Van Gogh is Bipolar along Maginhawa street, the meal starts with handwashing with water and baking soda poured from a pitcher. 

As is usual when we are with Jesus, it can be very uncomfortable because he can read our minds. And sometimes what we think cannot be exposed to polite company. Our thoughts can be wayward, and can be disgusting. Like the Pharisee in this story, I tend to be judgmental, holier than thou, and vain. That is why we have to train our thoughts. Luke 6:45 states, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks". This verse emphasizes that what a person says is a reflection of the inner state of their heart. 

Do we spend more time making ourselves presentable and well turned out rather than making sure our thoughts are pure and holy?