Living in lies is very common nowadays. There are people who practically live in falsehood. They do what they do to win the respect and admiration of people but in reality, their action is a false reflection of who they are. Pretence is when our action makes a claim of who we are not. The ceremonial washing of the Pharisees was a rite that presents a false impression of purity. For the Pharisees, what they think does not really matter but what they do. Jesus had to emphasise the importance of our thoughts over action because inner purity is a conduit to a sincere and pure life. Paying attention to who we truly are from the inside helps our growth to spiritual maturity and conviction. St Ignatius who converted from paganism to Christianity and succeeded Peter as bishop of Antioch, was a man who accepted to die for Christ due to his spiritual maturity and conviction. He accepted to be food to the wild beasts than renounce his faith. Our faith and conviction would be unshaken if it comes from within.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may we grow to spiritual maturity paying attention to your voice in us. Amen.