In today’s Gospel, the Lord admonished the Pharisees and scribes for their duplicity. They were leaders of the church and externally followed the prescribed Jewish laws and traditions. While they were deliberate in showing off their devotion, however, the Pharisees and scribes failed to live the spirit of God’s law, which is love. They did not show justice and mercy to those who needed it most. They were instead filled with pride and misplaced righteousness, and were preoccupied with empty rituals.
We must remember that the Lord looks straight into our hearts and sees our intentions. Do we act righteously to gain the approval of men? Do we live out Jesus’ greatest commandment, which is to love one another as He has loved us?
Dearest Lord, please give me the grace to have a heart like yours. That I may love my family, friends, and even my enemies, as you have loved me. Amen.
