“All their works are performed to be seen.”
matthew 23:5
Reflection
Jesus tells the crowds to observe what the Pharisees tell them to do, but to not follow their example, for they enjoy putting burdens on people but don’t practice what they preach. Jesus also tells them they have one Father in heaven and one Master, Christ. The person who humbles himself will be exalted, while the person who exalts himself will be humbled.
Like the Pharisees, we may sometimes put on a performance for others – showing them how Catholic we are by our appearance and words, but not necessarily living out what we preach. We are all called to be humble in our faith, not doing things so that others can see and be awed at our holiness.
Jesus asks us to listen and believe faithfully, with no pretense. He wants our lives to speak for themselves, by the way we live out Christian charity. It doesn’t need to involve big fanfare, but rather a humble attitude. How can you become more humble in living out your faith?
Saint of the Day
St. Rose of Lima: 1586 – 1617
“Without the burden of afflictions, it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gift of grace increases as the struggle increases.”
St. Rose of Lima
The Healing Word 