Against Hypocrisy

Matt 23:23-26

²³ “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. ²⁴ You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

²⁵ “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. ²⁶ Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

 This morning's short gospel passage,  part of several "Woes",  reveals the strong feelings Jesus had against hypocrisy.  It is a sharp warning to us to avoid it and to be as genuine and straightforward as we can, something not always easy to do. At least we can try to match our behavior to the gospel, and especially not judge others who, in reality or simply in our opinion, do not measure up to it.  We are all learners, pilgrims, travelers searching for the right road, and often along with others, go astray.  

We celebrate the Memorial of St. Louis, King of France who serves as a model of sincerity and putting his body where his words were. Not only did he raise 11 children in the Faith but died on his second crusade.May he help us today to be faithful to God's Word and to our relationships with one another as sisters and brothers.

Bro. Rene