Tuesday 17 October 2023

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Today is Tuesday the 17th of October, the feast of St Ignatius of Antioch, in the 28th week of Ordinary time.

Paul Zach, Jessica Fox and IAMSON sing, ‘Create in Me’, from Psalm 51.

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Against you only I have sinned

Done evil in your sight

But you have shown me what I've done

With mercy in your eyes

Then washed my shame and guilt away

My weary soul renewed

From all my sinning turn your face

Let me return to you

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

So I will give you what you ask

A humbled broken heart

A spirit burning down to ash

Within your flame O God

And this will be your mercy Lord

Transforming all of me

Til every act and every word

Your love and glory speaks

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Create in me a clean heart, O Lord

Have mercy on me according to your endless love

Have mercy on me according to your endless love

Have mercy on me according to your endless love

Have mercy on me according to your endless love

According to your endless love

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 11:37-41

While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you.

I bring this scene into my imagination. The colours, textures, aromas, sounds, the rituals, the facial expressions. I watch as Jesus takes his place at the table. He deliberately overlooks the traditional hand washing. How do I react?

Jesus refers to the inner and outer life. Being consistent. Authentic. Transparent. How does Jesus Himself show the example of the inner and outer life? Am I transparent in this way?

Jesus refers to the importance of those in need - here, namely, the strangers, the orphans, the widows - receiving their share. Am I challenged by that? What is my response to that?

As you hear the passage again, imagine the Lord coming to eat at your home.

As this prayer time comes to a close speak with God, perhaps across the very table where you eat, about whatever is on your heart.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.