“Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil." Lk 11:39
Imagine being a Pharisee. Respected, admired and listened to, you invite Jesus to your home for a meal and a conversation, and not long after your guest arrives you begin to wonder why he has not performed the ceremonial washing before the meal, a clear violation of the law. Jesus notices your discomfort and attacks. “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil." What is happening? People don't attack the hand that feeds them. Not only is it impolite, it lacks social sensibility. Could not Jesus speak quietly with the Pharisee about his practices? Why does he have to use the Pharisees as an example.
At the time of Jesus, the Pharisees had a loud voice in Jewish society. Committed to a careful and rigid observance of the law, they believed the Messiah would come from among them. He would not be divine, and he certainly would not break even the smallest part of the law. That he would seek out and even praise the sick, women, the poor and Gentiles was unthinkable. Because Jesus knew the Pharisees were imposing the law on everyday people without mercy, he used them to help others know the limits of the law. Unless our hearts are transformed by the law and our lives become models of compassion, the observance of the law makes no sense and has no value.
Today, wash your hands and clean your heart.
What do you think is the best way to live the law of Christ?
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