Tuesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Luke 11:37-41 Alms from Within

True purity of heart is far more important than outward appearances and mere rituals. Jesus rebukes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, who meticulously clean the outside of the cup and dish while leaving their inside full of greed. God, who created the exterior, sees into the deepest corners of our hearts. The most effective way to empty our hearts of greed is to "give alms from what is within." When we share the love and blessings we have received from God with our neighbors, our souls truly become pure, inside and out. Today, let us pray to move beyond a faith that seeks only to impress others, and instead live a genuine life that puts inner love into practice.