our job is not to look at the cover // 2011.08.23

Click here to read this day's Bible readings.

As the old saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover. It may have the best designed artwork outside, the best quality paper and cleanest cover on it, but if the words inside have no meaning, what use do we have of it? Jesus uses a very creative image to put it in today's Gospel... "you clean the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence."

If we'll think deeper, the image also goes the other way. The book can have the lamest cover, but the content can be the best thing you can ever read. The cup and dish can be dirty outside, but it can be full of love and selflessness.

What then should we do? I don't know about you, but I'd listen to James when he said, "There is only one lawgiver and judge... who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:12).

I always say it and will never get tired of saying it... It is God's job to judge, and not ours. Remember our reflection last August 19 for Matthew 22:34-40? Our biggest job is to love!