DAILY HOMILIES #Avila

At the heart of our readings is a deep call to an examination of conscience. Am I guilty of the evils which I point out in others? Do I laugh at people in public for committing the sins which I do in secret? Am I more concerned about maintaining a good public image than maintaining a strong relationship with God?

Why did Jesus address the Pharisees as fools? The Pharisees thought they could deceive God by their external show of religiosity. They dressed well and prayed in the marketplaces to attract the praise of men, but their hearts were “full of extortion and wickedness.” It is better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you are not.