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Gospel Reading for March 03, 2026 – Matthew 23: 1-12
A DANGEROUS SIGN
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
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Those of us who are involved in Church ministries—celebrations, Bible studies, and other sacred gatherings—must always examine our hearts afterward. If we begin seeking admiration and applause, craving respect and recognition, that is A DANGEROUS SIGN. It may mean that we are starting to forget whom we are truly preaching—and worse, that we have begun preaching ourselves.
It is also A DANGEROUS SIGN when, like the Pharisees, we perform works for the Church or for the poor merely to be seen, to appear holy and pious in the eyes of others.
There is only one Heaven and only one God. We cannot all be gods in that one Heaven. We must humbly accept who we are and faithfully offer what we can for the good of the world—always for God’s glory, not our own.
Lord Jesus, purify our hearts and make them like yours!
