Mt 23:1-12
1Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4They tie up heavy burdens [hard to carry] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.
5All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, 7greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 8As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Messiah. 11The greatest among you must be your servant. 12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection:
They preach but they do not practice. When we were ordained deacons, we were given the Bible with this instruction and prayer: “Receive the Gospel whose herald you are. Believe what you read, preach what you believe, and practice what you preach.” That night I added for myself to those words: “Pray what you practice!”
Faith is not only belief, praxis, and prayer. It is a relationship and a crisscrossing of receiving, believing, practicing, praying, living, and sharing. It is primarily witnessing to a caring God for a searching people. It is reflecting on the things we do and the things that happen to us. It is finding an everyday God with his message and plan for us in all our undertakings.
We work, struggle, earn our keep, relate, plan, and engage in various activities. Let us not forget to include the different works of faith.
Enthrone a bible in your home.