Against Hypocrisy
ISAIAH 1:10, 16-20 PSALM 50; MATTHEW 23:1-12
Isaiah 1:16 says “Cease to do evil; learn to do good.” This is an alarm not to only feel sorrowful for the sin committed, but to break off the practice. We often regret the evil we have done but we do not break off the practice. We are use to sentimental regrets not godly sorrow for sins.
Let us repent and firmly resolve to do good. Ask God for mercy, there is no sin too big for God to forgive; Isaiah says “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
Again, in the gospel Jesus challenges us to practice what we preach. He condemns the Scribes and Pharisees for not practicing what they were preaching. Beloved, if we do not practice what we preach; we are not in any way different from the Scribes and Pharisees. We must crown the message we peach with a worthy way of life.
LET US PRAY
Guard your Church, we pray, O Lord, in your unceasing mercy, and since without you mortal humanity is sure to fall, may we be kept by your constant help from all harm and directed to all that brings salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
