Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 / Matthew 23:1-12
If actions speak louder than words, then good examples should inspire us to imitate the good that we see.
But very often, bad examples seem to speak louder than good examples.
In our human weakness, we are inclined to be influenced by bad examples and end up coping them.
So even though there is much goodness around us, we somehow go along with the bad and sinful ways.
In the gospel, Jesus tells us to know and do what is good, loving, right and true.
And even if those who teach these values do not practice them, we should not succumb to bad examples.
The 1st reading also tells us this from the Lord:
If you are willing to obey, you shall eat the good things of the earth.
But if you persist in rebellion, the sword shall eat you instead.
The mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Let us be humble to acknowledge our human weakness and sinfulness.
But let us also trust in the Lord that He will raise up the humble so that what is good, loving, right and truthful will prevail.