The Holy Prophet Samuel.
Post-feast of the Dormition.
2 Corinthians 3:4-11; Matthew 23:29-39.
Read Matthew 23:29-39
Over the last few days, we have been reading the “woe” statements of our Lord to the scribes and Pharisees. Not a few times, He calls them blind fools!
Am I like the scribes and Pharisees? Am I spiritually blind? In my observance to the Lord’s teachings, am I seeking to be more like Him? Am I using His teachings in order to further my own end?
Here are some good questions for self-reflection:
- Do I practice what I preach?
- Do I help others live by the standards of the Lord, or do I simply instruct them what those standards are?
- Do I perform religious acts in order to impress others or obtain God’s approval?
- Do I desire salutations of honour?
- Do I relate to people in a way that welcomes them to conversion, or do I imply by my actions and words that they are not welcome in the kingdom?
- Do I evade responsibilities by legalistic reasoning?
- Do I emphasize lesser matters to the neglect of justice, mercy, and fidelity?
Lord, make me like You! You are a servant. Make me one, too!