The Pharisee's Invitation to Jesus for a meal

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Eighth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 11:37-41*

*First Reading : Rom 1:16-25*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 19:2-3, 4-5*

*The Pharisee's Invitation to  Jesus for a meal*

*1) 1. Possible Intentions of the Pharisee*

The text doesn’t explicitly state the Pharisee’s motive, but the surrounding context gives clues:

*A) Curiosity or Testing:*

Jesus had been teaching with great authority, often challenging the religious leaders. 

The Pharisee might have invited Him to observe Him more closely — perhaps to test His behavior or orthodoxy. 

This seems supported by what follows: the Pharisee “was astonished” that Jesus did not wash before eating (Luke 11:38). 

This reaction shows that the invitation may have been partly investigative rather than hospitable.

*B) Social Obligation or Appearance:*

In that culture, inviting a respected teacher to a meal was a sign of status and respectability. 

The Pharisee might have wished to be seen as open-minded or influential, associating himself with a popular rabbi.

*C) Hidden Hostility:*

The later verses (Luke 11:39–54) reveal that Jesus used the occasion to expose hypocrisy and misplaced priorities among the Pharisees. 

The tension suggests that the invitation may have carried an element of hidden scrutiny or even a trap — an attempt to find fault with Him.

*2) Jesus’ Response and the Deeper Lesson*

Jesus accepts the invitation without hesitation — a sign of His openness and willingness to engage even those who opposed Him. 

But He doesn’t flatter or conform. Instead, He uses the moment to teach truth about inner purity versus outward ritual.

“You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness” (Luke 11:39).

This shows that Jesus was more concerned with transformation of the heart than with ceremonial correctness.

*3) Reflections for Today*

*A) True Hospitality and Openness:*

The story challenges us to examine our own motives when we “invite” Jesus into our lives or actions. 

Do we do so sincerely, or for appearance’s sake?

*B) The Danger of External Religion:*

The Pharisee’s focus on ritual purity blinded him to the deeper impurity of pride and judgment. 

Religion without inner renewal becomes hypocrisy.

*C) Jesus’ Courageous Love:*

Jesus accepts even insincere invitations — He enters difficult spaces to bring truth and healing. His love reaches beyond hostility

*4) Personal Application*

You might ponder:

When do I “invite” God into my life but keep Him under scrutiny, on my own terms?

How do I react when Jesus challenges my assumptions rather than affirming them?

Am I more concerned about appearances or inner transformation?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*