True Purity Begins Within

True Purity Begins Within

Matthew 23:23-26

In today’s Gospel from Matthew 23:23-26, Jesus speaks strongly to the scribes and Pharisees, pointing out their hypocrisy. They are meticulous about tithing even the smallest herbs, yet they neglect “the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith.” He calls them blind guides, straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel. Then He uses a vivid image: they clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Jesus exhorts them: “Cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”

This passage challenges us to reflect on our own faith and practice. How often do we focus on external appearances—our reputation, our outward piety, or simply “looking good” before others—while neglecting the deeper interior life where true conversion happens? It is easier to follow external rules or perform rituals than to examine our hearts and confront pride, selfishness, or lack of charity.

Jesus is not dismissing external practices like tithing or rituals of worship. These are good and necessary when they are rooted in love. But He reminds us that they must flow from a sincere interior disposition, from a heart aligned with justice, mercy, and faith. Otherwise, they risk becoming empty gestures.

This message is deeply relevant for us as Catholics. We participate in the Sacraments, we pray the rosary, we attend Mass. These are treasures of our faith, but they are not meant to be mere outward obligations. They are encounters with God meant to transform us from within, so that our actions overflow with love, compassion, and integrity.

So, today’s Gospel is an invitation to honest self-examination. Is my spiritual life only about appearances, or am I truly allowing God to cleanse and transform my heart? Am I living justice in my workplace, mercy in my family, and faith in my daily struggles? If we let the Lord purify us on the inside, then the outside—our actions, words, and witness—will naturally shine with authenticity.

Key Takeaway: True holiness begins from the heart. When we allow Christ to cleanse us from within, our outward actions will reflect genuine faith, justice, and mercy.