DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Celebration: Ferial 

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Romans 1:16–25

Gospel: Luke 11:37–41

Theme: Worship the CREATOR and not the CREATION.

Reflection

In the first reading taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Church in Rome,  he (Paul) boldly declares: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”  (an extract from Romans 1:16–25)

The Apostle contrasts the light of divine revelation with the darkness of human sin. Though God’s invisible nature has been made manifest through creation, many failed to glorify Him as God. They exchanged truth for falsehood and worshiped the creature rather than the Creator.

Paul’s warning echoes through time: when faith loses its center, idolatry takes its place and not necessarily idols of stone, but idols of self, wealth, and pleasure. The Gospel calls us to return to authentic worship, where God alone is Lord and the human heart finds its true order.

In the Gospel, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. While they meticulously clean the outside of their cups, their hearts remain filled with greed and wickedness (cf. Luke 11:37–41). The Lord’s rebuke is not about ritual cleanliness but about spiritual integrity. True holiness begins from within, in the heart purified by love. Jesus calls us to let generosity, compassion, and sincerity flow from within, for “give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you” (Luke 11:41).

However, the Church consistently upholds this call to inner purity. That is why the  Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 2518) reminds us:

 “The pure in heart are those who have attuned their intellects and wills to the demands of God’s holiness, chiefly in charity, chastity, and love of truth.”

Likewise, Pope Francis often warns against “spiritual worldliness”  - the temptation to appear holy while neglecting mercy and sincerity. True conversion, he says, “does not happen in cosmetic piety but in the humble surrender of the heart to God’s grace.”

Dear friends in Christ, let us examine your inner motives. Let our actions spring from a heart renewed by grace, not from a desire for human approval.

Finally, let us worship the Creator, not the created. Avoid the modern idols of self-glory and material gain. And be conscious of the fact that:

 “Holiness is not how you shine before men, but how you are cleansed before God.”

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 14102025