Daily Gospel Reflection for March 3, 2015

Today’s Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Optional Memorial of Saint Katharine Drexel, Virgin

The scribes had the role of educating the people in the Law of Moses; therefore they “[sat]on Moses’ seat.” Phylacteries were belts or bands that contained quotes from Sacred Scripture and were worn by the Jews on their upper arm or forehead. The Pharisees wore wider phylacteries with broader fringes to show that they were more religious than the others.

Jesus used the scribes and Pharisees to teach us a lesson in honesty, integrity, humility, and hypocrisy. He pointed out the importance of making sure that we live what we profess to believe.

I am a hypocrite (therefore lacking in integrity, honesty, and humility), if I profess to love God but show by my actions that I only love myself.

Ponder:

As a Catholic Christian, does your life reflect a deep love for Holy Mother Church? Do you fully embrace Her teachings and strive to live your life in union with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church?

Pray:

Dear Lord, take away my hypocrisy and pride. Grant that I may live for You alone and not for the praise of man.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Terry McDermott