There is a saying, “Never judge a book by its cover.” It means that one should not judge someone or something based only on what one sees on the outside or only on what one perceives without knowing the full situation. The Pharisees are meticulous about ritual cleanliness: they whitewash tombs to make them appear clean, they strain out the liquid that may contain “unclean” insects, and they observe the prescribed washing before the meal. When a Pharisee sees that Jesus does not observe the prescribed washing when dining at his house, he is scandalized. Addressing his host and his fellow Pharisees, Jesus says that the condition of the heart is more important than outside appearance. Just as the beauty and importance of the book lies in its contents, not on its cover, a person may be ordinary-looking and may not attract attention, but if he is merciful and generous, he is more righteous than one who maintains cleanliness and beauty in appearance.

In Paul’s time, there were Christians who were well off, but more were of low standing in society. Paul warned the rich in Corinth not to discriminate against the poor, especially in their eucharistic gathering: “When you meet in one place, then, it is not to eat the Lord’s supper, for in eating, each one goes ahead with his own supper, and one goes hungry another gets drunk. Do you not have houses in which you can eat and drink? Or do you show contempt for the church of God and make those who have nothing feel ashamed?” (1 Cor 11:20-22). In God’s eyes everyone is equal; Gentiles and Jews, poor and rich, share the same honor and dignity of being children of God.

After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, “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.”