Matthew 23: 1 - 12
1
Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples,
2
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat;
3
so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.
4
They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger.
5
They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,
6
and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues,
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and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men.
8
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren.
9
And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
10
Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ.
11
He who is greatest among you shall be your servant;
12
whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
This is a great reading - it has special meaning for me.
It was one of my children's Confirmation day and we had a celebration at my Mother's restaurant. We had the places all prepared and waiting for guests to arrive. As the guests started to come in, our Priest, Father Roger arrived. I gave him a seat that I thought he was well suited for, one of the best places. My Father came in much later. Father Roger got up from his seat and put my Father in that position. He gave up the better seat and gave it to my Dad. I was so impressed with that and every time I see this reading, I think of Father Roger and giving up his seat for someone else.
My father has some psychological problems and has a hard time being around other people so this was a wonderful thing for him to be greeted and treated so well.
That Priest lives his life as a prayer every day and that is what we should all do! Live your life as prayer!
