Daily Word Of God
Luke 11:42-46
The Lord said to the Pharisees: ‘Alas for you Pharisees, because you pay your tithe of mint and rue and all sorts of garden herbs and neglect justice and the love of God! These you should have practised, without neglecting the others. Alas for you Pharisees, because you like to take the seats of honour in the synagogues and to be greeted respectfully in the market squares! Alas for you, because you are like the unmarked tombs that people walk on without knowing it!’
A lawyer then spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘when you speak like this you insult us too.’ But he said, ‘Alas for you lawyers as well, because you load on people burdens that are unendurable, burdens that you yourselves do not touch with your fingertips.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- In today’s Gospel Jesus sternly rebuked the Pharisees for misleading the people and the Scribes for imposing unnecessary and burdensome rules on their believers. Such actions obscure God’s essential commandment of “loving God and neighbour”.
- Jesus teaches us that the essence of God’s commandments is to love God and our neighbour totally and wholeheartedly. He shows such love to us through His sacrificial love that embraces and lifts our burdens.
- Do you allow the love of God to transform your mind and heart? Are you willing to carry your neighbour’s burden? Speak to the Lord from your heart.