“Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people that they don't like.”

“When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities.” ― Ezra Taft Benson: (1899 –1994: was an American farmer, government official, and religious leader who served as the 15th United States Secretary of Agriculture 

Gospel Text: (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."

It’s what is on the inside that counts. I’ve heard that often; you probably have too. This world often focuses too much on what is outside, the superficial.

Upon reading todays gospel it’s easy to target the Pharisees, but are we any different? Do we give some things more attention than they deserve? Do we lose sight of what is truly important?