Suppose someone is having a formal dinner–suits, ties, and fancy gowns expected. Then someone walks in wearing a Spiderman costume. Do you think that person would attract attention from the group? How would the host of the dinner react?
Today we read about Jesus attending a fancy dinner, and though he didn’t wear a Spiderman costume, his unacceptable behavior upset the host (Luke 11:37-41).
“…a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. (Jesus) entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.”
Everyone was expected to do the ritual washing before meals, just as everyone today, among Catholics, makes the sign of the cross before eating. This Pharisee was used to having “religious” people join him at dinner, and without exception, they all did the prescribed washing. Jesus, presumably a holy rabbi, shocked the host by bypassing the washing ceremony. Imagine the disapproving frown that the Pharisee sent Jesus’ way.
“The Lord said to him, ‘Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools!”
Ouch!! Jesus could not have been ruder if he tried. This host had gone to the trouble of having Jesus to dinner, and Jesus insulted him in the worst possible way, by calling Pharisees “fools.” Why were they fools?
Jesus, the Son of God, looks into the hearts of people. He is not particularly interested in their outward appearances or behavior. When he walked into the room and looked at the Pharisees, he saw a deposit of ugly greed exuding from their hearts. This was much more disgusting than wearing a Spiderman suit or ignoring the ritual washing. Before God, these men were revolting. On the outside they wore the garments of holiness; on the inside they were filled with dead men’s bones. What an insult to invite God’s Son to join them when they were so disgustingly dressed on the inside. While it may have been appropriate for Jesus to wash his hands, it was more appropriate that the Pharisees fall down on their knees and confess their deep sin of greed, hoping that Jesus might forgive them. They were fools because they deceived themselves and others.
We wonder why Jesus didn’t just keep his mouth shut. The fact is Jesus loved these Pharisees as much as he loved anyone else made in God’s image. They were so stuck in their pride that nothing would ever provoke them to repentance. By rebuking them in such a shocking way, Jesus sought to shake them from their complacency. A mild word of correction would not have made a dent in their armor of pride.
Jesus then gave them a way out. He showed them a path of repentance.
“But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
They could help reverse their greed by being generous and giving alms to the poor. That way they would be showing repentance. Instead of using the Temple collections to enrich their own lifestyles, they would humble themselves and give money to the poor. This turnabout would make them clean on the inside as well.
What about us? When we walk into the sacred presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, how clean are we on the inside? Do we cover up our own sinfulness with pious gestures, or do we go to our knees in repentance for our pride, our greed, or whatever sin has a grip on our hearts?
