25 Purity comes from a clean heart

August 25

Gospel

Matthew 23:23-26

Clean the inside of the cup first, so that the outside may become clean

Jesus said: ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who pay your tithe of mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the Law – justice, mercy, good faith! These you should have practised, without neglecting the others. You blind guides! Straining out gnats and swallowing camels!

‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who clean the outside of cup and dish and leave the inside full of extortion and intemperance. Blind Pharisee! Clean the inside of cup and dish first so that the outside may become clean as well.’

Short Reflection

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that true holiness is not only about outward actions or religious practices, but about the condition of our hearts. The scribes and Pharisees focused on small external details while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus invites us to clean the inside first—to examine our motives, attitudes, and hidden sins. When our hearts are purified by God’s grace, our actions will naturally reflect love, sincerity, and goodness.

Reflection Question

Am I more concerned with how others see me, or with having a heart that is honest, merciful, and faithful before God?

Short Prayer

Lord Jesus, cleanse my heart from pride, selfishness, and hypocrisy. Help me to live with justice, mercy, and faithfulness in all that I do. May my outward actions reflect a sincere and loving heart. Amen.

Comments

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