Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted
The peace of the Lord be with you.
It’s been said if you really want to have a glimpse into someone’s heart, observe how their words and actions match up or fail to do so. Jesus is essentially saying that to us today. He saying that the teachers of his time had great wisdom, but unfortunately they were distracted by titles, power, and their own agenda. Jesus is reminding us that we should make our words and actions match. As his followers, we are not called to use the power we are given for her own good, but for the good of others and to help lift burdens from other people. Through God‘s goodness we have another day to practice, and I pray that through his grace, each of us will make progress on our journey.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.