Hypocrisy

Lord speak to us, your servants are listening today with different ears, or listening at a deeper level.  We continue to seek your direction, Holy Spirit convict us with your Truth.  Amen

Hypocrisy is THE key temptation for all good, ‘religious’ people. It’s the line you and I walk every day… How often do we say more than we do? How often do we intend the good and fall short again and again?

So, when Jesus addressed the Pharisees (Luke 11:42-46), they functioned as a foil for His disciples. They “love the seat of honor in the synagogues…” What did the disciples fight about at the Last Supper? “Who is the greatest?” (Luke 22:24) What do we fight over in our own time? Yep, you got it.

Paul spoke strongly to the Romans, saying, “You, O man, are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things…” (Romans 2:1-11)

Essentially, he’s calling them hypocrites because of the way they judge others. And by extension, he’s calling us… Yep, you got it.

Paul insists that we do the very things we judge others for.

What sort of grace, what sort of event, what nudge will God send me to change me? And why does it take so darn long? What don’t I get?

I believe that the BIG grace and purification I hope for comes only in purgatory; which leaves me standing always in need of the graces of challenge and comfort from the Lord. Even though it hurts my pride to be situated with the Pharisees, it does seem more realistic and truthful.

When all is said and done, Jesus reminds us that what is most important is to do everything for love.  It’s what is in our hearts that’s important. We can't buy our way into heaven. Jesus merely wants our love for Him and for others, just as He gave and still gives His love to us.