Somebody once said that a saint is someone who is hard on himself but gentle towards others. The Scribes and Pharisees in the Gospel today do not seem to fit into this definition. They want people to be perfect by faithfully observing the law while they themselves are not faithful to these same laws. We have many of such scribes in our world today who occupy positions of authority and impose the “full wrath of the law” upon their subjects, while they themselves and their families and friends violate the same law without facing any consequences. Laws are supposed to promote order and peace in the society, and to protect the most vulnerable. Therefore, Jesus does not encourage lawlessness in any given circumstance. He wants us to discipline ourselves and not follow the example of bad leaders. This is the only way we can become saints and one day take our seats among the greatest in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give us the grace to seek perfection through the daily observance of our legitimate laws. Amen.