I once knew a guy who always talks about being inclusive, welcoming and accepting to everyone. He posts on social media about how we should love and accept everyone no matter what race, gender, religion, or economic status. But funny that he is respectful to everyone except Christians.

He posts disdainful comments about Christians and makes fun of Christian beliefs and practices. Talk about being inclusive.

I’m not just putting all the blame on him, because we all are hypocritical at times. In my own experience, I preach about being patient, yet most of the time, I get impatient. I don’t like being judged, but I find myself judging others too.

Jesus is the best example of walking the talk. He does exactly what He says.

So when we read God’s Word, let’s not just preach it. Let’s practice it.

Nico Narvaez (joelnicolocnarvaez@gmail.com)

reflect

Are you “preaching” something you don’t practice? Maybe you tell your children to listen, but when they’re the ones talking, you’re busy doing something else? Assess if you walk the talk. 

Jesus, I want to be more like You. And being more like You means that I should practice what I preach, just like You did all Your life. I want to be patient like You. I want to love like You. Amen.

St. Teresa of Avila, virgin, pray for us.

Paul shows the universal sinfulness of humanity to emphasize our helplessness and need for a Savior. If not all of us are sinners, then those who are free of sin do not need a Savior. This means that some do not need a relationship with Jesus for their salvation, and thus, the work of the cross is not universal. 

¹ You, O man, are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things. ² We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true. ³ Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? ⁴ Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? ⁵ By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, ⁶ who will repay everyone according to his works; ⁷ eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, ⁸ but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. 9 Yes, affliction and distress will come upon everyone who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. ¹⁰ But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. ¹¹ There is no partiality with God.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 9

R: Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.

² Only in God is my soul at rest; from him comes my salvation. ³ He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all. (R) ⁶ Only in God be at rest, my soul, for from him comes my hope. ⁷ He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed. (R) ⁹ Trust in him at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before him; God is our refuge! (R) 

Gospel | Luke 11:42-46

We celebrate today the feast of a great reformer, St. Teresa of Avila. She endured many trials and difficulties in order to reform the Carmelite order, yet she never despaired or gave up. Let us be inspired by her example of faith and trust in God. Like her, let us be faithful to the Lord’s call for us. One of St. Teresa of Avila’s great contributions is her book titled The Interior Castle, which chronicles her spiritual journey. It is worth reading.

Gospel Acclamation 

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

⁴² The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. ⁴³ Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. ⁴⁴ Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.” ⁴⁵ Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” ⁴⁶ And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

Reflect:

“I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, 

He can work through anyone.” (St. Francis of Assisi)

Read the Bible in one year! Read MICAH 4 - 7 today.

There are many Bible verses about anger—from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Psalm 37:8 states, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” James 1:20-21 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” Even Jesus said, “Anyone who is angry at a brother or sister will be subject to judgment . . . and anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (Matthew 5:22).

What we hear are some of Jesus’ “woes” to the Pharisees and scribes. However, it should be clear that He was not attacking them as persons but their actions. Even today, within the Church, some people behave similarly. Some give generously to the Church or charity, yet their lives contradict the Gospel. Others do good deeds just to gain admiration or attain positions in the Church or society. 

The Lord likened them to “unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.” This means they show outwardly good behavior, but inside, they rot. Jesus’ harsh words challenged His listeners to practice what they preach and be true examples to those they teach. The same challenge is directed toward us. We are pitiful if our righteousness is only external. After all, God looks at the heart, which should deeply honor Him and love others. We will not be judged according to our “offerings” and “good deeds” alone, but also according to our intentions and the disposition of our hearts.

In the Gospel, He consistently teaches that faith should not be a burden on people’s lives. It should never permit or tolerate abuses against the poor and ignorant—the truly needy. Religious rituals and practices should never be a license to neglect the welfare of others. 

Fr. Franz Dizon 

reflection questions

Are you a modern-day Pharisee or scribe? Do you sometimes disregard others’ welfare?  

We do not desire Your anger upon us, Lord, even though we know You are truly merciful. Nevertheless, may we never neglect our neighbors. Lord, may our hearts be like Yours. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ____________________________________