“You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin,
matthew 23:23
and have neglected the weightier things of the law:
judgment and mercy and fidelity.”
Reflection
Jesus continues to call the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites because they pay unimportant tithes and neglect important pieces of the law. They clean the outside of the cup and dish but don’t pay attention to the inside, which is full of plunder and self-indulgence.
We may also do what the Pharisees did – paying attention to less important aspects of our faith and neglecting ones of more importance. Maybe we pray the Rosary daily but inconsistently attend Sunday Mass. Perhaps we frequently read Scripture but never attend Confession. All aspects of our faith are important, but some carry more weight than others.
Do we attend to judgment, mercy, and fidelity like Jesus asks the Pharisees, or focus more on things like having many devotions? Everyone’s faith journey looks different, but we should all strive to grow in virtue and holiness, which means diving into our rich faith to some degree and not keeping it surface level. How can you begin to do this today?
Saint of the Day
St. Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars: 1843 – 1897
“It is pleasant to hear about Jesus; more pleasant to listen to Jesus Himself speaking…. It is pleasant to think about Jesus; more pleasant to possess Him…. It is pleasant to hear Jesus’ words; more pleasant to do His will.”
St. Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars
The Healing Word 