The Radar of Righteousness!

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Gal 5: 1-6; Lk 11: 37-41

Today’s Gospel highlights Jesus being brought under the radar of Pharisaic righteousness.

We all know that Jesus’ public life and ministry hardly went unscrutinized or criticized by the Pharisees. Unfortunately, the same treatment now continues for Jesus even in a private forum. A certain Pharisee had invited Jesus to dine at his house. However, what should have been a moment of celebration turns into a regular practice of accusation as Jesus’ host is disturbed by the fact that he failed to perform the ritual washing before the meal.

The Pharisee’s behaviour is a typical example of the ‘Pharisaic radar,’ which is interested only in detecting the mistakes of others. In the Gospel, instead of enjoying Jesus’ presence as a dutiful host, the Pharisee turns on his radar to find fault with him. As a result, the Pharisee could only notice what Jesus did not do and not whatever he did. Thus, what could have been a beautiful moment of conversion for the Pharisee just maintains the status quo.

Here is where Jesus intervenes to caution against the Pharisaic radar. Jesus illuminates that the Pharisaic righteousness was nothing but an external cleanliness hiding an internal disorder. Thus, while the Pharisee noticed a ritual that Jesus did not observe, Jesus noticed a heart that needed conversion. Unfortunately, the one whose radar was constantly directed towards Jesus failed to subject his own heart to its searching eyes. 

In sum, the Pharisee had Jesus at his table without having room for him in his heart. Though the Pharisee had the privilege of Jesus’ presence, his Pharisaic behaviour missed the blessing of the Lord.

Let us pray that we may constantly examine our hearts in order not to become blind to the goodness of others. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar