Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.
Matthew 23:25
Observant Jews lives were proscribed by all kinds of laws, as we see in today's Gospel. Even the smallest herbs were subject to tithes. And yet, what earns Jesus' wrath is not their attention to the little details, but their overlooking the bigger things, such as mercy and fidelity.
Is that ever the way it is with you? Do you ever pay strict attention to the "little things" but disregard the issues of humanity which cry out for redress?
St. Therese of LIsieux's "little way" to sanctity was made up of the opportunities which appear daily in all our lives. The difference was that she took advantage of them and cultivated them. Simple things, like picking up a pin, were sources of grace in her life.
Jesus scornfully identifies the cup that appears pristine on the outside, which others can see, but is hiding "plunder and self-indulgence" on the inside.
Gracious God, help me to see not just the "big" things, the easy things that lead to You. Open my heart to the "little" things too. If I have learned anything from this pandemic time, may it be that I am my brother's/sister's keeper. I am responsible for how I treat them, how I care for them, how I protect them. I am not part of your "privileged few", but rather, part of the whole of creation which you made to love and honor and serve You. Increase my all-encompassing awareness, Good and Loving God!
Today's reflection was written by...
Sr. Marlene Weidenborner, OSF
Did you know...
Sister Marlene Weidenborner, OSF, is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY. A religious for over 60 years, most of Sister's ministerial life has been lived out in the various dioceses of Florida. Currently Sister serves as the Vicar for Religious in the Diocese of St. Petersburg
