Reflection
“…do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.”
Matthew 23:1 -12
There is nothing more disheartening to a person who is genuinely seeking to live as a sincere believer than hypocrisy. Hypocrisy visibly fails to practice the virtues that one preaches or live by the creed one professes. The greatest incentive to embracing a Christian life is to see it lived with honesty and selfless commitment by other Christians especially those who are in positions of leadership. People will embrace the gospel when they see it enfleshed. The power of Jesus’ life was not only what he said, but who he was. His integrity and honesty were fearless; he cut right down to the truth no matter what it might cost him.
Prayer
Teach me to live with integrity.
Action
Examine what you perceive as being preached but not practiced. How do you respond personally?
Suggested Reading
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but 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.
Matthew 23: 1-12
Many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said,
“This saying is hard; who can accept it?”
Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this,
he said to them, “Does this shock you?
John 6:60-69
A good example brings about so much good, but hypocrisy brings about so much evil.
Pope Francis
As “pride is the beginning of all sin,” (Eccl. 10:15)
so humility is the foundation of all virtue.
Learn to be really humble and not,
as the hypocrite, humble merely in appearance.
St Bonaventure
He does not believe that does not live according to his belief.
Sigmund Freud
One should examine oneself for a very long time before thinking of condemning others.
Moliere
He does not believe who does not live according to his belief.
Thomas Fuller
All of us are experts at practicing virtue at a distance.
Theodore M. Hesburgh
Go put your creed into your deed.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
People are very inclined to set moral standards for others.
Elizabeth Drew