SAINTS PERPETUA AND FELICITY, MARTYRS (OPTIONAL MEMORIAL)

All their works are performed to be seen.

Jesus didn’t mince words in criticizing those scribes and Pharisees who highlighted their outward displays of holiness. That’s because he knew that they weren’t living up to the standard they expected from others. We can be sure they had good intentions. They studied the Law of Moses because they truly wanted to follow the Lord, but they let their human pride get in the way of their sincere devotion. They modified their religious clothing to make it stand out more and sought the respect of the people, not for their love for God, but for their position in society (Matthew 23:5-7).

We might wonder why these men were so concerned about other people’s opinions. It’s not that they were insecure. It’s more likely that they were trying to protect their faith against corruption by their Roman occupiers. Wanting to preserve Judaism at all costs, they stressed ritual and tradition to the point that they lost sight of what it was all for. And in the process, they started looking down on those who didn’t live up to their standards.

None of us is above this kind of temptation. We may not carry enormous Bibles or wear huge crosses, but we may still want to be recognized and applauded for our faith or our reputation for holiness. Or we may hide our gifts, afraid that they’re not sufficiently worthy of admiration—a more subtle form of pride. But our weaknesses in these areas shouldn’t discourage us. On the contrary, they should make us all the more eager to seek God’s mercy and grace to change!

If you want to be humble, you don’t have to look any further than Jesus for your example. He never tried to get attention, and he never promoted himself. But he drew far more people to himself than these scribes and Pharisees ever could. That’s because he had what they needed—the love of his heavenly Father. You don’t have to impress anyone if you are following Jesus. You just have to stay close to him, and people will recognize his presence within you!

“Father, free me from the desire for praise and honor. Help me to give glory to you alone.”

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Matthew 23:1-12