Monday, October 26, 2026

Scripture

“Do whatever they teach you and follow it, but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.” Matthew 23:3

Reflections

Are you a good example of the Christian faith?

In Mt. 23, Jesus urges the crowd to do what the scribes and Pharisees teach, despite the fact that they do not practice what they preach.  They taught the ways of God through the Law, a good gift from our good God.  But they were lousy examples of it in their lives.

The scribes and Pharisees lived piously according to the Law, and they gave tithes.  But they were centered on themselves, not on God.  They saw themselves as already God-like, as people who do not need divine mercy because their lives were sinless.  They despised those who didn’t live up to their standards.  They were merciless in pursuing their own perfection.  They did not love.

Jesus is the opposite.  He lived as a servant of all, a slave willing to wash people’s feet.  He lived in great simplicity and was not interested in riches.  He was tender to the smallest and most helpless.  He was merciful to all.  He even welcomed women.  He was against any form of superiority, domination or showing off.

The message is still central—even when the messenger is imperfect.  God is love and we know that through Jesus.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for Jesus, our perfect example of following in your ways.  Help me to keep the message of Jesus central, especially as I imperfectly practice what I preach.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Matthew 23:1-12