HYPOCRISY
Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17; Psalm 127; Matthew 23:1-12
Hypocrisy is the cancer of religion. In today’s Gospel, Jesus lashes out at the Scribes and Pharisees because they “say but do not do.” Their lips preached holiness, but their lives screamed contradiction. Christianity without practice is nothing but empty noise.
But look at Ruth in the first reading: no pretense, no double life, just authentic love and loyalty. She did not merely profess kindness; she practiced it. From being a poor widow in a foreign land, she became the great-grandmother of King David and a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ! Her life shows us that God honours sincerity, integrity, and consistent action over empty words.
Today, are we going to live like Pharisees with loud religion and hollow practice? Or be like Ruth, silent but consistent, authentic in love, steady in faith, and richly rewarded by God?
Hypocrisy may earn you applause today, but only authenticity secures you a legacy tomorrow.
LET US PRAY
Father, have mercy and save us from deceitful living. Holy Spirit strengthen us and help us to live in harmony with your promptings, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
