“You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin,
Matthew 23:23
and have neglected the weightier things of the law.”
Reflection
Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for paying tithes for spices but neglecting more important things in the law, like judgment and mercy. They clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside it is full of self-indulgence and plunder.
The Pharisees and scribes did the small things for the law – paying tithes for things like spices. These were certainly not as important as paying attention to and cultivating virtue, which they mostly neglected. Are we like the Pharisees, who make sure to follow the ‘small’ things that Jesus teaches, but neglect heeding the most important commandments?
We are to follow Christ’s commandments and exercise virtue. We can accomplish this by loving God and our neighbor, being merciful and faithful, repenting of our sins, etc. In growing our character, virtue, and sanctity, we naturally begin to attend to the smaller things as well. Let us always remember to examine our hearts and attend to growing in virtue.
Saint of the Day
St. Louis: 1214 – 1270
| “Love God, the Almighty, above all else.” St. Louis |
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