What is your greatest habitual sin? Why is it so difficult to give up? - Daily Bible Reflections August 27,2014

NO FAKES ALLOWED!

 

“On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” – Matthew 23:28

 

Have you ever seen those food commercials with the tall glass of delicious iced tea, or the smoking, juicy chicken, or a delectable slab of roast ham? Did you know that just as actors are given makeup, so are food in commercials? They’re made to look good so people will buy them. But it isn’t really what you’ll get at the restaurant.

       That’s a lot like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. He says they are attractive in appearance but inside, they are full of “hypocrisy and wickedness.” Just like food in commercials, the Pharisees were fake!

          But what does it mean to be authentic?

         Jesus plays favorites with those who are authentic. The first person to see Him resurrected was a former prostitute, the first person to enter heaven with Him was a former thief. And the first pope? A former liar! Yes, Jesus plays favorites but only with sinners who have been transformed. That is what made them authentic — that they have been changed from the inside out.

       Whether we are new to the faith or old stragglers, we all have our challenges with sin. May we never be overtaken by it but remain authentic in Jesus. Rod Velez (rod.velez@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: What is your greatest habitual sin? Why is it so difficult to give up? What is Jesus doing to change you? What about you, what  are you doing to change yourself?

 

Lord, please change me.

 

St. Monica, pray for us.