“FOR THEY PREACH BUT THEY DO NOT PRACTICE.” MT 23:1-12
Humbly submit your will to God (Thy Will be done) and consecrate yourself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through Mary and Joseph.
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” MT 23:1-12
There is obvious conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees in today’s Gospel. Why? Jesus is God, who empties Himself to be a slave and die for us. If we are to follow Him, we cannot be boastful. As a follower of Christ, we are called to be humble (is there anyone more humble than God), practice what we preach, and always give God His due as the one Father and Christ our Master Teacher. If we hold high positions, we are called to serve.
I am humbled every day as a teacher and father making mistakes, being called out on not practicing what I preach, and sometimes bragging a little bit-okay a lot:). I love to talk trash, something that has stuck with me playing sports. Jesus knows we will struggle with these things and from time to time be a Pharisee, but with His grace we can be transformed into humble servants who love the one Father and Master and in turn love our neighbor.
Today’s challenge: Be humble and thankful. Get out of the way and allow Christ to work in your life. Enter each room asking how you can help. When you achieve something, give glory to God. Find a good model of humility in your life. Learn from God, the most humble.
Be as servant, become a saint!
#Christian YOLO
Joyfully sacrifice for another today!
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