Daily Word Of God
Matthew 23:1-3, 8-12
Addressing the crowds and his disciples Jesus said, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses. You must therefore do what they tell you and listen to what they say; but do not be guided by what they do, since they do not practise what they preach.
‘You, however, must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one Master, and you are all brothers. You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ.
‘The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself up will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.’
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 chides the scribes and Pharisees for their ostentatious behaviours. In their pretentious zeal for religion they sought honour for themselves instead of for God.
- In contrast, Jesus shows us the meaning of true humility by becoming a man and accepting death on a Cross to atone the sins of mankind.
- In faith are you willing to place your life in the service of God? Ask Jesus to teach us His way of servant-hood and humility so that we too may inspire others to live in God’s love and ways.