From the Gospel according to Luke. Lk. 11:37-41
After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home.
He entered and reclined at table to eat.
The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.
The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
He entered and reclined at table to eat.
The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.
The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
Double Intentions
The Lord, who is our Creator, knows our hearts, our deepest thoughts. That’s why He doesn’t want us to have double intentions (like the Pharisees), but to live a pure life in every way, both inside and out.
There is a saying “the face is the mirror of the soul”… but what’s really in our soul? How many times do we do things just to look good or to be seen? And what about in our marriage? Thanks to the conyugal prayer, we start to uncover and bring to light those hidden intentions we might have, so we can help each other untangle them and become truly transparent with one another.
Applied to married life:
(During conyugal prayer)
Eva: Well… speaking of the Pharisees… the Lord showed me through this Gospel that sometimes I help you because I want something in return, like for you to tell me how good I am at things. He also showed me that this morning, when I went to buy winter clothes for us and the kids, I wasn’t really thinking about what we needed, but more about how others would see us, like we’re one of those “picture-perfect” magazine families. Love, I ask you to help me with this so I can learn to do things only out of love for God, to please Him, and to serve you and our children.
Greg: Well, God also showed me something… Sometimes at work, I want to stand out to be noticed as the best and I want everyone to see it so they’ll think I’m important. And the truth is, sometimes I step on others or forget to act with charity. This prayer helped me see my own poverty and vanity and reminded me that if I achieve anything, it’s only by God’s grace, and I’m accountable to Him alone. Let’s help each other avoid chasing after praise or attention in what we do. Sound good?
Eva: I just had an idea what if, whenever one of us does something good, the other one says out loud, “Glory to God!” That way, we’ll remember that everything we do is thanks to Him and for Him not for our own glory.
Greg: Babe, I love you so much. That’s a beautiful idea. Glory to God!
Mother,
We ask you to help us always seek the Lord, and do everything for Him and through Him. Blessed and praised be the Lord forever!