Tuesday August 25, 2026

Matthew 23:13-23

Jesus said: ‘Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who pay your tithe of mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the Law – justice, mercy, good faith! These you should have practised,

I always find myself cheering Jesus on as he rips into the Pharisees and Scribes, those hypocrites. But then I am reminded that we do not read scripture so we become experts at seeing how others fail. We read scripture so we grow in faith and correct what needs correction in our own lives. Today I look at how I in my ministry have put the focus on the unimportant things in the spiritual lives. Pope Francis worried that seminaries are producing little monsters not caring priests. I think we can all use a little reminding. Maybe I need to be reminded that the focus should be on family and not too much work. Maybe someone needs to be reminded to be content with what they have instead of chasing the dream house or relationship.

What little and unimportant things in your life have become the big things and in the process have you lost sight of your calling?