Reflect on your soul today. Don't be afraid to look at it in the light of truth

The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you clean the outside of the cup and plate, inside you are full of spoils and evil. You crazy!" Luke 11: 39-40a

Jesus continually criticized the Pharisees because they were taken by their outward appearance and ignored the sacredness of their soul. It seems that the Pharisee after the Pharisee fell into the same trap. Their pride has led them to become obsessed with their outward appearance of righteousness. Unfortunately, their outward appearance was only a mask against the "plunder and evil" that consumed them from within. For this reason Jesus calls them "fools".

This direct challenge from our Lord was clearly an act of love as he deeply desired them to look to what was within so as to purify their hearts and souls from all evil. It seems that, in the case of the Pharisees, they had to be called directly for their evil. This was the only way they would have a chance to repent.

The same can be true for all of us at times. Each of us can struggle to be much more concerned with our public image than with the sanctity of our soul. But what is more important? What is important is what God sees inside. God sees our intentions and all that is deep in our consciences. He sees our motives, our virtues, our sins, our attachments and all that is hidden from the eyes of others. We too are invited to see what Jesus sees. We are invited to look at our souls in the light of truth.

Do you see your soul? Do you examine your conscience every day? You should examine your conscience by looking within and seeing what God sees in moments of prayer and honest introspection. Perhaps the Pharisees regularly deluded themselves into thinking that all was well in their souls. If you do the same at times, you may also need to learn from Jesus' strong words.

Reflect on your soul today. Don't be afraid to look at it in the light of truth and see your life as God sees it. This is the first and most important step in becoming truly holy. And it is not only the way to purify our soul, it is also the necessary step to allow our outer life to shine brightly with the light of God's grace.

Lord, I want to become holy. I want to be thoroughly purified. Help me see my soul as You see it and allow Your grace and mercy to purify me in the ways I need to be purified. Jesus I believe in you.