MONDAY, TWENTY FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
2 Thes 1: 1-5, 11-12 Ps 96: 1-5 Mt 23: 13-22
WHAT STOPS US FROM DOING GOOD?
Though there are many lessons we can learn from our Lord, let’s consider the first thing He says. He condemns hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is essentially saying one thing and doing another. It’s a disconnect between what we say and what we do. Hypocrisy can also come in the form of trying to present oneself as if one has every virtue under Heaven but in reality, cares little for the clear doctrine and moral precepts given us by God.
In the scripture passage, the scribes and Pharisees claimed to be leading people to salvation, but they were condemning the very source of salvation. On one hand, some of what they taught was true, but they failed to teach with the virtue that comes from God. On the other hand, some of what they taught was flat-out erroneous, because they were more concerned about their public persona than they were about the truth. Essentially, they were hypocrites, because their words and actions were neither united in the truth nor lived through the virtues given by God.
These two opposing tendencies seem to be a source of much division within our families today. We ask our children to respect the elders, help the needy, and be caring to all, but how much are we doing it when we get an opportunity? What stops us from doing what is good before God?
The deeper the truth, the more necessary is the virtue with which it is presented. And the more virtue you have, the better instrument of the full truth you will be. Strive to overcome every form of hypocrisy within your life by working toward true holiness. Holiness is wholeness. The Truth united to virtue. Only then will you escape from the condemnation of our Lord, but you will also thrive as a pure instrument of His saving grace.
Response: Tell among all the people the wonders of the Lord.
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