Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 / Matthew 23:1-12
It is not surprising that to do good and to be good takes a lot of effort and hard work.
On the other hand, it seems so easy and even effortless to do bad and to be bad.
Our human nature, weakened by sin, is prone to sin and hence we slip and slide into sin so easily.
We may want to do good, we may even talk about wanting to do good.
But as it is, actions speak louder than words.
In the gospel, Jesus told the people and His disciples that since the Pharisees occupy the chair of Moses, they are to listen to what they say and do what they are told.
But the problem was that the Pharisees only talked about what the people should do.
They themselves do not practise what they preach.
As for us who are Christians and disciples of Jesus, we have a responsibility and a duty.
We are to teach the way of love to the ignorant and guide those who are weak and wayward.
But it is our actions that speak and show clearly what the way of love is and how to do good.
Let us act justly and humbly, and be loving and do good always.
It is hard work, but God will always bless and help those who want to be loving and learn to do good.