“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
Matthew 23:12
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection
Jesus tells the crowds to observe what the scribes and Pharisees tell them, yet not follow their example. The Pharisees and scribes perform their works to be seen and enjoy places of honor, yet do not practice what they preach. Jesus then says that anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.
The Pharisees and scribes performed their works to be seen, they put on a show for others, but did not truly practice what they themselves taught others to do. Jesus warns us to not be like those types of people, who on the exterior, look faithful, but on the inside, are not.
When we perform acts of faith for God, they should be done in a humble manner. Making ourselves look good in regard to our faith because of our exterior practices doesn’t always equate with our interior life. Only in humility do we grow in virtue and love of God. How is Jesus calling you to humble yourself today?
Saint of the Day
St. Katharine Drexel: 1858 – 1955
| “Peacefully do at each moment what at that moment ought to be done. If we do what each moment requires, we will eventually complete God’s plan, whatever it is. We can trust God to take care of the master plan when we take care of the details.” St. Katharine Drexel |
The Healing Word 