Need to cleaning the Cup from Inside

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty First Week :  Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 23:23-26*

*First Reading : 1 Thes 2:1-8*

*Responsorial Psalm : 139:1-3, 4-6*

*Need to cleaning the Cup from Inside*

*1) God Desires Inner Purity, Not Just Outer Compliance*

The Pharisees were meticulous in outward ritual purity but neglected the condition of their hearts.

God is not impressed by appearances — He is concerned with what lies within: motives, thoughts, and desires.

*People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.* - 1 Samuel 16:7

Do I focus more on looking good to others than on being clean before God?

*2) The Inside Affects the Outside*

Jesus says, “First clean the inside... then the outside also will be clean.”

When the heart is transformed, outward actions naturally change.

External behavior without internal change is incomplete and often fake.

*“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”* - Proverbs 4:23

Am I trying to fix external problems without addressing the deeper spiritual root?

*3) Hypocrisy Is a Heart Issue*

The Pharisees appeared righteous, but their hearts were filled with greed and self-indulgence.

This shows that uncleansed hearts can still perform outward religious duties while being far from God.

Are my religious practices coming from a genuine love for God, or are they just habits or masks?

*4) External Religion Without Inner Change Is Hypocrisy*

This was the core issue Jesus addressed with the Pharisees. 

They followed the rules and looked holy, but their hearts were corrupt, prideful, and unloving.

Matthew 15:8–11 – “What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.”

*5) Jesus Offers Cleansing from the Inside Out*

True transformation begins with repentance, grace, and the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit.

God doesn't expect us to clean ourselves by sheer willpower — He cleanses us when we come to Him honestly.

What parts of my heart need cleansing today? Am I bringing them to God or hiding them?

*6) Inner Cleansing Requires Honesty and Surrender*

We cannot clean our own hearts by willpower. It requires:

Confession (acknowledging what’s really there),

Repentance (turning from it),

And grace (trusting God to cleanse and renew us).

Am I willing to open my heart fully to God—even the messy, painful, or shameful parts?

*7) Practical Ways to Begin Cleansing the Heart*

*Daily Self-Examination* – Ask: What am I feeling? Why did I react that way?

*Honest Prayer* – Invite God to search you (see Psalm 139:23–24).

*Confession and Repentance* – Don’t hide or justify sin. Bring it into the light.

*Scripture Meditation* – Let God’s word renew your mind and reveal blind spots.

*Spiritual Community* – Walk with others who challenge and support your growth.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*