Father, today's reading below reminds me of the many times I have heard, "Do as I say, not as I do." Not only have I heard this, I have said this. I realize that it is important to keep myself from pointing at others who do this or that, behaving as in the scripture below, so that I can keep this lesson in appearances personal to me. Scanning over my Life and checking my ego, I can easily see the times when I exalted myself and condemned others for something I had previously done, as if I would not have done such a thing. I have been there and done that and acted as though I had not. And just like the scribes and Pharisees I have engaged in outward appearances and actions for the purpose of exalting myself above others. I have also been the example of, "All talk, no action." where I did not put forth enough action to support my words.

Father, please forgive me. I am so sorry. You, Who knows all and sees all, we both know that I fool no one but myself when I attempt to place myself above others as if I hold the gold standard of behavior and appearances. Jesus is the Gold Standard and the only example I will choose to follow is His. Thank You in advance for Your mercy and forgiveness. I Love You!

Through Jesus Christ's Most Precious Blood, Most Sacred Name and Most Holy Face, I thank You for this awareness. Amen~

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matthew 23:1-12

1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples,

2 saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.

4 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.

5 All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,

7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'

8 As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.' You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.

10 Do not be called 'Master'; you have but one master, the Messiah.

11 The greatest among you must be your servant.

12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ

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