| Homily: Hypocrites One aspect of society that Jesus attacked prodigiously was the Pharisees. His favorite word for them was 'hypocrite!' For the one who preached love, forgiveness, and tolerance, hypocrisy was the most grievous of sins. He used it repeatedly for the Pharisees "... these "pious men", sometimes called the Jewish Puritans, became a distinct class. They were called Pharisees, meaning those who separated themselves from the heathen,... http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11789b.htm (See also Matthew 23:) Jesus said, "The scribes and the Pharisees have sitten in the chair of Moses. All things therefore whatsoever they shall say to you, observe and do: but according to their works do ye not; for they say and do not. For they bind heavy and insupportable burdens, and lay them on men's shoulders; but with a finger of their own they will not move them..." ib Think about the last paragraph; who, today, binds heavy and insupportable burdens upon us, but not themselves? How long are we going to suffer the same hypocrisy as the Jews did back at the time of Jesus? Think about what is going on today in our country between the two political parties, one of which considers themselves the only present day believers and followers of Jesus Christ and his holy church. Simply look around and listen to what is being said and, then, what is done. What would Jesus say to these people? What word would he use? Believers they may be, but followers; nay! The Pharisees are still here today; strong and putrid as ever and just as puffed up and arrogant as they ever were. We still have scribes, too, but TV has added a dimension to the whole bag that makes their gruel as food for millions. Some will say, but what about shut-ins; don't they deserve to hear the Word? Of course, but what ever happened to reading one's bible ( or listening to an audio) and meditating upon the Word with our own heart, mind and soul. According to the bible, God did say that he would write his law on our hearts instead of stone tablets. Cannot we think for ourselves rather than be propagandized to sleep? 33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Jeremiah 31:33) The time is now for clear minds and hearts, not like the Pharisees; those hypocrites and their leaven. Respectfully submitted, J. Sue Gagliardi |
| "May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, Oh Lord, My Rock and Redeemer." Psalms 19:14 Dearest Lord of my being, Thank you for blessing me with all that I need to be the best that I can be. I am so grateful for your love, light, and peace. May I always be aware of your presence and may I love and honor you above all things. I need you in my heart, in my soul, and in my life now and forever. Amen |
| astrologizing.net Sabbath Devotionals The Sabbath; Sat. Aug. 21, 2010 |
| BIBLE READING NEW TESTAMENT Luke 12:1 ...he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. |
| BIBLE READING OLD TESTAMENT Job 27:8-9 For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him? |
