Homily for Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time (Year II) based on the readings:

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8

  • Psalm 139:1–3, 4–6

  • Matthew 23:23–26


Introduction 

A little boy once asked his grandmother, “Gogo, what does it mean to be holy?” She smiled and said, “It’s like washing dishes. If you only clean the outside, people may think the plate is clean, but when you try to eat from it, you’ll find it dirty inside. Holiness is about washing the inside first.” The boy thought for a moment and replied, “So holiness is like doing the dishes properly!” The wisdom of children reminds us of today’s Gospel.

The Word of God
In the first reading, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his ministry among them: not one of trickery or selfish gain, but one marked by sincerity, gentleness, and self-giving love. He shared not only the Gospel but his very life. This is the model of true Christian leadership.

The Psalm beautifully echoes God’s intimate knowledge of us. He sees the truth of our hearts—the inside, not just the outside. We cannot hide from Him, and that should give us both comfort and a holy challenge to live with integrity.

In the Gospel, Jesus warns the Pharisees and scribes: they carefully tithe even the smallest herbs but neglect the weightier matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. He condemns their obsession with outward appearances while ignoring the transformation of the heart. “Clean the inside of the cup first,” He says, “and the outside will be clean as well.”

Connection of the Readings
Both Paul and Jesus point us to the same truth: authentic faith is not about appearances but about living in sincerity and love. Paul shows how he lived a faith that was transparent and sacrificial, while Jesus exposes hypocrisy and calls for integrity. Together, the readings challenge us to let the Gospel transform us from the inside out.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do my words and actions reflect the same heart, or do I sometimes “act holy” without living it?

  2. Where is God calling me to clean the “inside of my cup”—my thoughts, my attitudes, my hidden life?

  3. How can I live like Paul—sharing not only the Gospel but also my life with those around me?

Implications for Daily Living (in light of the Jubilee Year and Synod on Synodality)

  • The Jubilee Year calls us to renewal: to let the Gospel penetrate deep into our hearts so our witness is authentic, not superficial.

  • The Synod on Synodality invites us to walk together with honesty and transparency, avoiding masks and pretenses, but listening and acting with justice, mercy, and faith.

  • In daily life, this means prioritizing relationships over rituals, compassion over mere appearances, and sincerity over show.

Inspiration / Motivation
Today, Jesus reminds us: “Holiness is not performance; it is transformation.” God is not impressed with outward show but with a heart that beats with love.

Quote for the Day
“Clean the inside of your heart with mercy, and the outside of your life will shine with holiness.”

Final Thoughts
The world has enough actors wearing masks of goodness. What it longs for is authentic witnesses—men and women who, like Paul, live the Gospel with integrity, and like Jesus, call others to truth and mercy.

Concluding Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You see my heart more clearly than I see myself.
Wash me inside and out with Your mercy.
Teach me to love justice, show compassion, and live faithfully.
In this Jubilee journey, may I be a true witness of Your Gospel,
authentic in word and deed.
Amen. 

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