Second Tuesday of Lent

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.

Jesus asks us to practice our faith, not for the purpose of being seen, but for the purpose of humbling ourselves before God. We do not want to be like the Pharisees and live hypocritical lives that only burden others. We need a living faith, which aims to help and love others because it is the right thing to do. If we are able to do this we will be exalted with Christ because we will be a perfect reflection of his love, mercy, and grace to all of His children. Sometimes it is difficult to do this, especially when we see others getting away with lives of sin and prospering in worldly things, but we are not asked to prosper in this life in anything other than doing the Will of God. Our reward is the unseen, but hoped for salvation of our souls.

In what areas of our lives are we hypocritical? Do we place any heavy burdens on other people’s shoulders? Are our actions truly charitable or do they have some selfish purpose?

O Lord, we want to follow your example and live genuinely faithful and fruitful lives.

Amen.