Cleaning the Inside…
I took this photo a few weeks ago as I knelt at my home altar for my morning prayer. I had been putting off cleaning the black soot that was coating the inside of the crystal glass that holds my votive candles. It was keeping the light from radiating through the glass, so I finally got fed up and cleaned it out. When I saw how beautiful the crystal reflected the small flame, I snapped this photo. I thought it would make a good blog reflection for some future date…and that day is today. Yesterday’s Gospel reading was from Luke 11, where Jesus rebuked the pharisees with the words:
“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.”
Why is it so important to keep our “inside” clean? I mean, the candle was burning the same inside of the soot-coated crystal as it was after I cleaned it. Cleaning the crystal made absolutely no difference to the flame. It didn’t burn any bigger or brighter after I cleaned the glass. What then was the difference? Well, even though the flame was giving off the same light, it was hidden…it was blocked. Jesus said that we are not to hide our light under a bushel basket, but are to set it on a table, so it can give light to all who are in the house. (Matt. 5:15)
I think God was using this candle to remind me that when I start giving in too much to my own selfish desires for comfort and pleasure…that a residue is built up on the inside of my soul. Sure, I may still be in a state of grace. I may not have sinned. God is merciful and forgiving and my hope is still in Heaven…but if that is all I am worried about, I think I am missing the point.
It is noteworthy that Jesus told the Pharisees that if they “GIVE ALMS”, they will be made clean! What does giving alms have to do with purity? Well, if I am focused on helping those who are in need, I really won’t have time to do the selfish things that deposit the soot on my soul. I will be so busy pouring out my energy for HIM, that my soul will transmit and magnify the light that is within me. And each action that I make for the love of God, is like one of those little cuts in the crystal. Instead of a simple, smooth glass…the cuts refract and beautify the light.
We all struggle with selfishness. It is a relief that Jesus gives us such a simple remedy! Come to pray at our 40 Days for Life vigil. Do it out of love for Jesus, and in solidarity with the suffering He so willingly endured for us. Each time we make an act of charity like this, it is as if a divine hand is wiping our insides clean.
Keep reading to find out who let the light of Christ shine through them today!
Cathy & Peggy
(From Cathy) – A rather busy shift, starting around 8:15. There were two couples and 4 single women who entered. Sadly, no one was interested in any conversation or resources. One woman who was walking by wanted to look at the 11 week baby as she is 11 weeks pregnant! A happy encounter! Some good comments from other passersby!
Conrad
Conrad on with Divine Redeemer church group. Every one was very visible in publicly promoting life. Prayers were unceasing. There were easily 20 women who entered or exited PP. Elsie and Eileen tried to reach each young woman who had chosen darkness. I want to point out that Eileen and Elsie have 12 children between them. Eileen is also a great grandmother! What an inspiration and leadership they provide!!
Larry
(From Larry) – It was a busy day today with many couples and single women coming out of Planned Parenthood. We offered Information and Assistance, but had no takers. Angie and Bethann prayed all for mysteries of the rosary, God bless them! One lady came up to us and said that she was Catholic from California, and that she felt the narrative had to be changed, to put more emphasis on men being more responsible.
Judy & Chris
Joining me in prayer today were Arleen and Judy, our faithful Sidewalk Advocate, both from St. Joseph the Worker Parish. As I began my shift, prayer warriors from the previous shift alerted me that 3-4 couples went in during their shift. Judy was ever-vigilant, approaching every woman entering or exiting PP. After they went inside, Judy held up the large photo of the 6-week old baby in the womb, hoping it would make a difference in their decision. We prayed the all four Mysteries of the Rosay- Sorrowful, Glorious, Joyful, and Luminous, several Chaplets of Divine Mercy, and a Loreto Litany.
Eileen & Steve
Steve and I had a new advocate with us today. Ed went right into pro-life mode by going up to a couple who were looking at the fetal models. The man asked if the babies were really that size and looked like that. Ed reassured him that the models were authentic and he said,”We’ll never have an abortion!”We prayed a Divine Mercy Chaplet for the one performing the abortions today.
Many thanks to you volunteers who stand up for life at the abortion clinic. I’m interested in talking to someone about your experiences and ask that someone contact me.