Blessed By My Father in Heaven and My Master, Jesus Christ, Only Following Them!

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."

-Matthew 23:1-12

What a Gospel reading today! I saw this as I try to read the mass readings each day, especially now during Lent. This one resonated with me! We need to be humble and we need to not be hypocrites. We only have one Father in Heaven and Jesus is our master or instructor! Follow only them. They are the ones who practice what they preach. Most priests today do not! We have one priest at our church we see him at the gym or out and about, he will not look at us or talk to us. He ignores, avoids, and dismisses us, it is hard and hurtful, we feel bad, but humans always disappoint, even priests or pharisees. They are human too, although supposed to represent God, it is hard for any human to, they judge, hate, and are like many others. We just need to forgive them, pray for them, and know they are not God! They never will be. We cannot model after them, only God, they do not walk their talk! They do not practice what they preach, we have seen this time again with priests, all we can do is forgive them, pray for them, and know they have their limits like all humans. Just bless them who persecute you like the Bible says and you will be more blessed yourself. Be humble in how you handle all these pharisees and priests who want you to bow to them. Don't do what they do. Learn from them how not to be a leader. Bow only to God, only to our Father! Jesus is our King!