A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. One morning, while they were having breakfast, the woman noticed her neighbor hanging laundry outside to dry. “That laundry is not very clean,” she commented. “She doesn’t know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.” Her husband looked on but remained silent. Every time the neighbor hung clothes to dry, the woman repeated her observation about the dirty laundry.
One month later, the woman was surprised to see clean clothes on the line and said to her husband, “Look, she has finally learned how to wash her clothes properly. Her husband responded, “I was up early this morning and cleaned our windows! ”
This story teaches us an important lesson: so often, we are quick to judge others while ignoring the flaws in our own lives. Just as the dirty window distorted the woman’s view of her neighbor’s laundry, our own imperfections can cloud our judgment of others. The question we should ask ourselves is, “Are we ready to clean our lives from the stains of hypocrisy and corruption?”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds the Pharisees—and us—that concern for external cleanliness must be accompanied by inner moral uprightness. He warns against focusing only on outward appearances while neglecting the heart's true condition. As Jesus said, “Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil.” How often do we tend to be guided by what is visible on the outside, forgetting that God sees and values the condition of our innermost being? He challenges us: “Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside?”
This message is deeply relevant in today’s world, where there is a strong focus on external beauty, status, and appearances. But Jesus reminds us that real transformation comes from within. To wash a car, for example, only deals with the dirt on the surface. But to service a car means tending to its deeper needs, like checking the oil and brakes. In the same way, our spiritual lives require more than superficial cleaning. God wants a true makeover from the inside out—soul, heart, spirit, and body.
The Interior Castle
Today, on her feast day, we are reminded of Saint Teresa of Avila's inner spiritual journey. Her book, The Interior Castle, describes the path toward inner transformation and union with God. Saint Teresa teaches us that the way to God is through the interior life - a life of prayer, service, and deepening our relationship with Him.
Through the intercession of Saint Teresa, let us ask God for the grace to be made whole—spirit, soul, and body. And let us make the psalmist’s prayer our own: “Create a clean heart in me, O God, and put a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10).
Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook pageat 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
About Father Boby John, C.S.C.
Father Boby John, C.S.C., ordained a priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross in 2008, worked as a pastor and as an educator with tribal populations in Northeast India for thirteen years. Originally from Kerala, India, Father Boby grew up with three siblings. He is a dedicated and detailed educationist with experience in educational leadership. He is currently working as an executive assistant at the world headquarters of Holy Cross Family Ministries, North Easton, Massachusetts.
