Pharisaic Behaviour
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10; Psalm 150; Matthew 23:13-22
Believing, preaching, and practicing are basic themes in the Bible. It is unfortunate that many people today are becoming believers; preachers are increasing, but just a handful practice. As a result, society is experiencing an upsurge in evil.
In today’s narrative, Jesus chastises the scribes and Pharisees. He referred to them as blind guides because, as leaders, their way of life barred men from entering the kingdom of heaven. How are we different today? Do we practice what we preach? Paul’s letter in the first reading is a call to return to the right track. Let us renounce the pharisaic lifestyle and turn to God sincerely.
Today, the church celebrates the memorial to St. Augustine. He was deeply in the world, but at his conversion, he cast off the deeds of darkness and became steadfast about his faith. He remained focused on God and became a priest and bishop. His legacy continues to shape and influence the church to this day. The life of St. Augustine is one of the reasons parents shouldn’t give up on rebellious children.
St. Augustine, pray for us.
LET US PRAY
Renew in your Church, we pray, O Lord, that spirit with which you endowed your Bishop Saint Augustine that, filled with the same spirit, we may thirst for you, the sole fount of true wisdom, and seek you, the author of heavenly love. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
