Dear [NAME],
Matthew 23:1-12 Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees 1Then Jesus(A) said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2(B) "The scribes and the Pharisees(C) sit on Moses’ seat, 3so practice and observe whatever they tell you—(D) but not what they do.(E) For they preach, but do not practice. 4(F) They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear,[a] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5(G) They do all their deeds(H) to be seen by others. For they make(I) their phylacteries broad and(J) their fringes long, 6and they(K) love the place of honor at feasts and(L) the best seats in the synagogues 7and(M) greetings in(N) the marketplaces and being called(O) rabbi[b] by others. 8(P) But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are(Q) all brothers.[c] 9(R) And call no man your father on earth, for(S) you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor,(T) the Christ. 11(U) The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12(V) Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:1-12
warning to false teachers In the last days, we are warned of the proliferation of fake prophets and teachers. In the old days, prophets and teachers lived very simple lives. They did not have beautiful houses. They did not wear fancy clothes. They didn't have the whole harvest for their breakfast. John the Evangelist fed on locusts. The picture is entirely different today. Prophets and teachers are accorded the highest honors. They live in gated villages, at least some are. They wear branded clothing. They travel to their missions in style, in chauffeur-driven cars or in jets when going to other countries. Francis Xavier, the first great missionary in the modern times, counted 13 months in a rickety ship to reach India from Europe. In a sense, today's evangelizers have an easier time because everything is provided for and because they have all the advances in technology to rely on. Yet, they have done less than what their predecessors have accomplished, notwithstanding the fact that the latter had nothing to depend on, except the promise of the after-life. [...continue reading ]
In the last days, we are warned of the proliferation of fake prophets and teachers. In the old days, prophets and teachers lived very simple lives. They did not have beautiful houses. They did not wear fancy clothes. They didn't have the whole harvest for their breakfast. John the Evangelist fed on locusts. The picture is entirely different today. Prophets and teachers are accorded the highest honors. They live in gated villages, at least some are. They wear branded clothing. They travel to their missions in style, in chauffeur-driven cars or in jets when going to other countries. Francis Xavier, the first great missionary in the modern times, counted 13 months in a rickety ship to reach India from Europe. In a sense, today's evangelizers have an easier time because everything is provided for and because they have all the advances in technology to rely on. Yet, they have done less than what their predecessors have accomplished, notwithstanding the fact that the latter had nothing to depend on, except the promise of the after-life. [...continue reading ]
The picture is entirely different today. Prophets and teachers are accorded the highest honors. They live in gated villages, at least some are. They wear branded clothing. They travel to their missions in style, in chauffeur-driven cars or in jets when going to other countries. Francis Xavier, the first great missionary in the modern times, counted 13 months in a rickety ship to reach India from Europe.
Dabar is a greek word meaning “word alive.” This daily Gospel insight comes to you free courtesy of the Friends of the Divine Mercy Community. To know more about the community, log on to www.friendsofthedivinemercy.org.