Jesus said:
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin,
and have neglected the weightier things of the law:
judgment and mercy and fidelity.
But these you should have done, without neglecting the others.
Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You cleanse the outside of cup and dish,
but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.
Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup,
so that the outside also may be clean.
— Matthew 23:23-26
The peace of the Lord be with you. Today Jesus has some strong words for the Pharisees. His rebuke is centered on the importance of the core principles of judgement, mercy, and fidelity as a member of Gods family. As we discussed a few weeks ago, judgement is an adherence to what is true and right. Mercy is a recognition that we have been recipients of God’s forgiveness, and in turn, we should have that same understanding with others who have lost their way. Fidelity, like judgement, is an adherence to the teachings and instruction we have received from God, which guide our choices and our actions. All these require a humble heart, not a self righteous one. This humility is what makes us teachable and brings us closer to being a reflection of God’s love. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.