Galatians 5:1-6 / Luke 11:37-41
Different cultures use different cutlery or eating utensils for eating and serving food. Also the crockery may differ in shape and size and material.
So usually, Western food is eaten with forks and spoons and knives and Chinese food is eaten with chopsticks and bowls.
But even if we try to eat steak with chopsticks, it may not be very gracious, but nonetheless, it can be done.
Because in the end, it is the food that is to be eaten and not what we use to eat it. The cutlery or the eating utensils and the crockery is not that important in relation to the food.
In the gospel, the Pharisee was surprised that Jesus had not first washed before the meal, and obviously the Pharisee showed his disapproval, and Jesus noticed it.
But Jesus used this occasion to teach about religious observations and customs. If religious observations and customs do not purify and sanctify, then we are just concerned about the externals.
And Jesus also tells us this: Give alms from what you have and then indeed everything will be clean for you.
Jesus highlights the act of almsgiving, that when done out of love, has the power to purify our hearts.
As we heard in the 1st reading, what matters is faith that makes its power felt through love.
Let our almsgiving be done out of love for God and neighbour, and our hearts will also be cleansed.