Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Every time I read the Gospel for today, I ask myself: Am I a modern scribe, a contemporary Pharisee? Jesus had a disdain for people who used religion for personal gain. He railed against people who did not practice what they preached. We all need to examine ourselves: Do we use our religion as a battering ram or as a way to communicate the divine truth of God’s love?
Jesus would remind us to follow the teaching of the Church (“Do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you”). But, for examples of faith and how to live, we should look to the saints who had the law of love written on their hearts.
Think of a saint who has inspired you. I think of St. Augustine, St. Thomas More, St. John Vianney, St. John Paul II, St. Terese of Lisieux, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, to name just a few. These saints were trying to gather people to Christ and not scatter them. They were firm in proclaiming divine truths, but spoke with love. And – this is the hard part for most of us – they practiced what they preached.
May we have the grace to do the same.