Reflection for August 25, Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 23:23-26

Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26

Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”

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Reflection:

Are we easily taken by physical appearance?

The story is told about a lady who was smitten by the external appearance of her handsome neighbor. When he asked her to elope with him she agreed without any hesitation. As weeks and months passed by she discovered his true character; his domineering behavior, lack of responsibility and many more hidden negative behaviors.     

External impression is very important to many of us. We are easily attracted to those who look good or we adore to high heavens those who are good looking. Our attention is easily taken by people who wear nice and expensive clothes. But what is external is oftentimes not the same with what is internal.

External appearance is not important for Jesus. HE is more concerned about the pureness of our hearts and motives. Those that are unseen and can only be perceived by our feelings are more important for Him. 

We have to remember, that not everyone who look good has a good heart and has humility within them.  Some of those who look good don’t have a good heart and they don’t have the virtue of humility. - Marino J. Dasmarinas