“He that made that which is without, make also that which is within?” – Luke 11:40
A man diligently polished his car until it gleamed, proud of its impeccable exterior. However, he never inspected the engine, which was gradually accumulating grime and sludge. One day, it completely seized up, leaving the stunning car useless and abandoned, a beautiful shell with a failed core.
Jesus challenges our tendency to prioritise external appearances over internal realities. The Pharisee focused on ritual washing to maintain a pristine exterior, yet his heart was filled with greed and wickedness. Christ’s probing question reminds us that the Creator of the visible world also formed our souls. He values genuine transformation over mere performances of purity. The Gospel invites us to move beyond rule-following into a relationship where His grace cleanses us from the inside out. Jesus’ call to “give alms” shifts our focus from self-centred piety to self-giving love, showing that true inner cleanliness manifests in acts of mercy. Instead of managing your image, surrender your heart to the One who fashioned both for a life of genuine purity.
Todays devotional – 14 October, 2025 ~ www.dailyfaithechoes.org
A Journey of Reflection and Action
- Journal Prompt: Reflect on one area where you may appear “put together” outwardly but need renewal within. What would surrender look like there?
- Scripture Meditation: Meditate on Luke 11:37–41 and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what “inner cleansing” means for you today.
- Practical Step: Show mercy in a tangible way this week—an act of kindness that reflects Christ’s heart, not your image.
- Group Discussion: How can we as believers focus less on appearances and more on the transformation of the heart?
- Sharing Challenge: Post or share today’s verse and reflection, encouraging someone who struggles with the pressure to “look holy.”
Join Us in Prayer
Lord Jesus, create in me a clean heart. Teach me to care less about appearances and more about becoming like You. Cleanse me from within and help me to live in truth, humility, and love. Amen.
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Scripture Footnote & Further Reading
Scripture Source: Catholic Daily Reading – Tuesday, 14th Week in Ordinary Time, 2025
Further Reading:
- First Reading: Galatians 5:1–6
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:41–48
- Gospel: Luke 11:37–41
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