Luke 11:37-41
While he was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him; so he went in and sat at table. The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner. And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness. You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also? But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.
Homily:
It is easier to clean up the exterior of anything than its interior.
Our greatest battles lie within.
The cleaning up of the inside does not necessarily bring cheers from the crowd, but it brings serenity to the owner.
Only a fool building a house will paint the outside before painting the inside. Many people move into houses that are not even painted on the outside and live there comfortably for years. Passersby walk past wondering when the owner will complete the house by painting, the owner is inside living a life of bliss because of the beauty he is greeted with within.
Leave places that demand a disproportionate focus on the outside, with no talk of the inside. A balance is required, but if balance is not yet achieved, be tilted to improving within.