PUTTING FIRST THINGS FIRST

PUTTING FIRST THINGS FIRST

(Thursday, October 31)

“And as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him. So he went in and sat down to eat. When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. Foolish ones! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you.’” (Lk 11: 37-41)

In the tradition of the Pharisees, an elaborate series of ablutions, accompanied with special prayers, was required before sitting down for the main meal of the day. The original reason for this was cleanliness, because no forks or spoons were used at the meal, and everyone used their hands to reach into the common dishes of food. But the Pharisees had ritualized and elevated the meaning of such washing to something indispensable for true “orthodoxy” or good religious standing. Our Lord challenges this view, by disregarding the Pharisaic custom and provoking the self-righteous indignation of His host. As Christ points out, what makes “all things clean” for us, not only our food but the fellowship we enjoy around it, is love for our neighbors and a self-offering heart, which “gives alms of such things as we have.” But the Pharisee has a sharp radar for the perceived “missteps” of others, while neglecting the issues of his own, judgmental heart, which makes him a lousy host. Instead of marveling at the joy and honor of serving his Guest, the Pharisee “marvels” (in the sense of shock and dismay) at Christ not being “clean” enough for the dinner.

Today let me put first things first, and surrender to God’s grace in my heart. I take down a notch my demands and expectations of others, and let God do His thing in my day, throughout my encounters with others. Whether it’s trick-or-treaters who come to my door, or friends or family with whom I might have coffee or a meal, let me share “such things as I have” with joy. Happy Halloween, everyone! SV🧡