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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 11:37-41

We have rotating kitchen chores in my home. One day, it is set the table, the next day, load the dishwasher. Then comes the dreaded day when the chore is to wash the pots and pans. No one likes washing the pots and pans.

Some do a better, more conscientious job of scrubbing than others. The outside may look clean, but no one would want me to cook in that pan. Someone might get sick.

Jesus is giving the Pharisees the same lesson. The sickness, evil, comes from inside. Of course, He is not worried about the dishes. He is concerned about our souls. 

We spend a lot of time taking care of our bodies: showering, brushing our teeth and hair, washing our hands. And we should attend to our bodies, which are a wonderful gift from God. But should we not be even more diligent in the care for our souls?

Prayer, works of mercy, acts of love, and the Sacraments are all needed to strengthen and care for the soul. Just as we brush our teeth every morning and before bed, we need to pray upon waking and sleeping. Weekly Mass is a must for the health of your soul, just as eating is for the body. If possible, go to a weekday Mass or Adoration. If you are at a stage in your life where that is impossible, spiritual communions can unite the soul with Jesus. No matter how busy life gets, we can always do all we do with great love for God and others. And when we mess up--because we will--the best way to get clean again on the inside is the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
 
So, take care of yourself, body and (even more importantly) soul. May God bless you from the inside out.

 

Ponder:

 

What is something inside of me that needs cleansed from my soul?

 

Pray:


Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of purgatory, where my soul will be perfectly cleansed. But, Lord, if it pleases You, teach me how to properly scrub my soul clean while here on earth so that I will be ready to see You face-to-face. 

 



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Copyright 2025 Kelly Guest

 

About the Author

Kelly Guest

Kelly Guest

Kelly Guest is the author of Saintly Moms: 25 Stories of Holiness. For over 30 years, she has worked in various ministries in the Church, beginning with her five years as a Dominican sister. She is now the Director of Family Faith Formation at her parish. She lives with her husband Paul and their nine wonderful children in the rolling country hills of Maryland.