August 23, 2022
Tuesday for di 21st Wik for Ordinary Time
Di Readings for Today
Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin—Memorial Wey No Be Obligation
Listen for English
“Wahala for una, scribes and Pharisees, una hypocrites. Una dey clean the outside of cup and plate, but inside, dem full with wetin una loot and enjoyment wey no get control. Blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside too fit clean.” Matthew 23:25-26
Even though these words wey Jesus talk straight fit sound harsh, dem really be words of mercy. Dem be words of mercy because Jesus dey go far to help the Pharisees understand say dem need to repent and clean their hearts. Even though the first message, “Wahala for una,” fit quickly catch our attention, the real message wey we suppose hear na “first clean the inside.”
Wetin this passage dey show na say person fit dey for one of two conditions. First, e possible make person inside full with “wetin e loot and enjoyment wey no get control,” while the outside dey look clean and holy at the same time. Na this be the Pharisees their problem. Dem care well-well about how dem look for outside, but dem no too care about their inside. This na problem.
Second, Jesus words dey show say the best thing na to start by cleaning the inside. Once that one happen, the result go be say the outside too go clean and shine. Think about the person wey dey for this second condition, the person wey first clean for inside. This person dey inspire others, and im soul dey beautiful. And the beautiful thing be say when person heart truly clean and pure, this beauty for inside no fit remain hidden inside. E must shine come out, and other people go notice am.
Today, reflect on how easily the beauty of your inner life dey shine come out. Other people dey see am? Your heart dey shine come out? You dey shine? If no be so, maybe you too need to hear these words wey Jesus tell the Pharisees. You too fit need correction wey come from love and mercy, so that e go move you to allow Jesus enter your heart and work with power to clean am.
Lord, abeg, come inside my heart and wash me clean well-well. Make me pure, and let dat purity and holiness shine bright for outside. Jesus, na You I trust.
Novena to Saint Monica
August 18–26
More Reflections on the Gospel
Reflection Dem about God im Mercy
Saint for Today – Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin—Memorial wey no be compulsory
