21 August 2021 - ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS

#JesusWarnsAgainstTheTeachersOfTheLawAndThePharisees #Humility TOPIC: DO YOU KNOW THE JOY OF CHRIST-LIKE HUMILITY AND SIMPLICITY OF HEART? First Reading: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 128:1B-2, 3, 4, 5 Alleluia: Matthew 23:9B, 10B Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12 In today’s gospel reading, Jesus criticizes the Scribes and Pharisees. He does not target all of them because there were several good Pharisees — Nicodemus, who visited him one night and who was involved in His burial; Gamaliel, who appeared in the Acts of the Apostles, a man of justice and integrity; and, of course, Paul, one of the greatest saints, who evangelized the pagans. Jesus was not attacking particular persons but mindsets which continue to exist today. He tells the Jews, and us, to follow what their religious authorities teach, for they are good teachings. But He also tells us not to follow the examples of authorities; “for they preach but they do not practice.” This is the 501st installment of our CFC quarantine contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings. [NOTE: All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on   / cfchrist   and Bong Arjonillo’s Facebook page and on You Tube. Just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]