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TODAY’S WORD…

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Jesus said,

“First clean the inside of the cup,

so that the outside also may become clean.”

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– Matthew 23:26 (NRSV)

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REFLECTION…

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“First clean the inside of the cup,

so that the outside also may become clean.”

These words were addressed by Jesus to the hypocritical Pharisees

– He was accusing them of two-facedness in matters of morality.

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What about me, am I two-faced in matters of morality?

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We all seriously need to reflect on the Master’s words

because they could also very much apply to us.

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We may make the effort go to church on Sundays (why should it be an effort?)

and play the part of good Christians

…but what are we truly like inside?

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We pay so much attention to our exterior – to how people see us –

but so often overlook and neglect the much more important interior.

Is our cup clean on the outside and filthy on the inside?

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While others may not be aware of what I am truly like inside,

God is!

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QUOTE…

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All-knowing and Almighty God,

Loving Father,

You know me inside out.

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Forgive me, Lord,

for preening myself for my own vainglory

and for appearances sake,

yet so neglecting my soul, which belongs to You.

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Father,

help me see beyond myself,

help me look persistently in Your direction

and seek to please You rather than the world.

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Have mercy on me, O God,

and cleanse me from my sins.

Create in me a clean heart

and renew a right spirit within me.

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Amen.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Create in me a clean heart, Lord,

and renew a right spirit within me.

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