Lk. 11:37-41: “They clean the outside of the cup and the plate…”

The Pharisees were very concerned with rituals and appearances. They believed that purity consisted in following external rules. Jesus shows them that true impurity is not in unclean hands, but in the heart stained by lack of love. Today we can also fall into the same thing; worrying about how others see us, of appearing religious, while neglecting the essential; mercy and justice.

Jesus proposes a way: “Give alms.” That is, share, give the best of yourselves; kindness, understanding, and compassion. When we give from the heart, we purify ourselves and let God renew us. Are we willing to give “alms”, not only material but also forgiveness, time, attentive listening, and love?