Galatians 5:1-6 / Luke 11:37-41
It is always safer to follow instructions.
When we follow instructions, we are not likely to go wrong or get into any kind of trouble.
We can be quite comfortable following instructions and to conform our lives to it.
In fact, we may become rather agitated and annoyed when others don’t follow instructions.
And we can get rather defensive when others question us about the reason for the instructions.
In the gospel, the Pharisee was rather surprised when Jesus had not washed first before the meal.
While Jesus did not question the act of washing before meal, He pointed out a deeper meaning to that washing.
Exterior cleanliness should also make us think about internal cleanliness or spiritual purity.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul says that what matters is faith that makes its power felt through love.
When we are pure of heart, our faith will be seen in our acts of love.
Then we will follow instructions with love, and we will also be able to instruct others with love.