Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’s seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it, but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others, but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others, for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father, the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. (Matthew 23:1-12, NRSVue)
Religious leaders sit in a place of power and yield that power to remain there. We need to heed the teaching of Scripture, but not do what those in power do. When leaders speak one thing and do another, they are not to be followed in action. This passage of Scripture is followed by woes to the leaders for speaking truth, but then doing the opposite.
We are called to be people of integrity. We are called to be people who love like Jesus and live that life out loud. Speaking up for the downtrodden and being champions of the weak.
Saints are those who live lives of integrity and acknowledge their shortcomings. We are all sinners, and all are still redeemed. We are all saints, trying to make a difference in the world.
Know that you are loved by God, to go into the world and love others, as God has loved you.
Blessed are you when you do this, either by choice or accident.
Live a life of love. Live into your sainthood.
