Tuesday of the Second Week
In today's Scripture, we first read from a Book of Wisdom attributed to the prophet Isaiah, then the first book of the New Testament: The Gospel of Matthew. Isaiah's message from God is that of warning and realignment toward God's will. "Come now, let us set things right, says the LORD" (Is. 1:18a). At the same time, Matthew tells us of a time when Jesus spoke against the Pharisees' hypocritical actions by saying, "Do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example" (Mt. 23:13a). In this Gospel, Jesus preaches the importance of humility, and that "whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Mt 23:12).
As we are influenced by our culture, we are called to exalt ourselves daily, and by doing so we are promptly rewarded by humans alone. Jesus calls us away from this worldly habit because He knows that if we humble ourselves now, we will be elevated one day by Him in the Kingdom of Heaven. Now more than ever we are encouraged to consider Romans 12:2 which tells us to conform not to the world, but instead follow the will of God to know what is "good and pleasing and perfect". How will you go against the grains of culture to fulfill God's perfect will?
Prayer
Father God, please support me in choosing Your will over mine throughout this day and all of my days here on Earth. I thank You for putting me in this culture and giving me ample opportunities to practice choosing Your will over mine. In Your merciful name, I pray, Amen!
Abbey Beach, ’22
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