Our Lord is pointing out something he wants us to notice. His words to the Pharisees are a challenge and they apply to us also. Jesus is appealing to us to be on our guard against merely external compliance with ritual. If we are to keep our worship of God in true focus, we must call attention to what we are doing. God looks to the heart, and to our innermost thoughts as well as our outward actions. We are to be continually searching out what God wants of us, purifying the way we live, and practising our religion. But wearing a religious medal, having or clasping religious articles do not necessarily make us good Christians. Joined hands are no substitute for sincere prayer, coming from the heart. It is very easy to depart from God’s will and appear religious at the same time. To be more than devoted Christians, the love of God must flow into our daily lives and into our homes.

Hoping everyone is staying safe and being healthy!

Fr. Arsenio