The Rubrics

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? 41 But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.

          When I read this passage of scripture I clearly envision Jesus as a hippie from the 60's. He certainly was a revolutionary, counter cultural and stood squarely against the establishment in all their self righteousness.  He encompassed everything that is holy and forsake all that was material.

           There is comfort in the rubrics and customs of almost any religion, especially if you have been brought up surrounded by them. They can enrich worship. It can be difficult to reverse course however when you realize these these acts of religiosity can become more important than the faith and love that is in your heart. I think that is what Jesus is speaking of.

         God is not looking for personal acts of piety for show nor the plethora of religious rubrics set forth by many of the so called 'true faiths'. What is inside your heart, what is in your soul, the goodness and generosity that is there, that is what makes you holy and makes a good offering to the Lord. 

         Where many a religion today, and obviously in Jesus' time as well,  fail and lead the children (faithful) astray, is by placing too much importance on the minutiae. Sadly, the Roman Catholic church has volumes on the perfect way to do just about everything. No kidding. And many a cleric are not kidding when they approach holiness and religious services with zeal for such trivial matters.  I recall the Bishops secretary scrupulously instructing us all on the precise manner to ring a bell.  Sad.

           Pay attention to what is in your heart. Give from within yourself, that is more valuable and cleaner than any dollar bill or coin.