Do I practice my faith out of genuine love for God and neighbor, or am I more concerned about how others perceive me?
Do I judge and burden others harshly, pointing out their faults while neglecting my own need for conversion?
Have I allowed pride or self-righteousness to creep into my heart, distancing me from God and others?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus sharply criticizes the Pharisees—not because they lacked religious devotion, but because their hearts were filled with pride, hypocrisy, and the desire to be praised by others. They followed the rules outwardly, yet inwardly their hearts were far from God. Lent is a season to honestly confront the ways these same pharisaic attitudes may exist within us and to courageously root them out.
Jesus highlights three dangerous attitudes among the Pharisees: hypocrisy, pride, and the misuse of authority. The Pharisees loved recognition and respect. Their actions—long tassels, widened phylacteries, and honored seats—were not motivated by love of God but by love of self. Their piety was an outward show, not inward devotion.
Our Lenten scripture this morning challenges us to root out the Pharisee within by embracing authentic humility—humility, not merely as an ideal, but as a daily discipline.
Humility means honestly acknowledging our weaknesses and turning to God’s mercy. It means setting aside self-importance and serving others joyfully. Lent especially calls us to acts of quiet charity and unseen sacrifices, not for praise, but because we truly seek Christ’s way.
Today, Jesus invites each of us to seek the conversion of the Pharisee within—to abandon pride, to renounce hypocrisy, and to walk in humble service. For, as Jesus promises, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Only by rooting out the attitudes of pride and self-righteousness from our hearts can we truly become disciples who reflect Christ’s humble and merciful love.
May this Lent help us grow in humility and sincerity, as we learn again to walk in the humble footsteps of Christ for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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Seeking God’s will in all things, let us humbly present our petitions to our merciful Father.
For the Church throughout the world, that we may faithfully preach the Gospel not only in words but through humble and loving service.
For leaders of nations and those in authority, that they may exercise their responsibilities with integrity, humility, and genuine concern for the good of all, especially the weakest among us.
For our parish community, that during this Lenten season we may sincerely examine our hearts, rooting out attitudes of pride, hypocrisy, and judgmentalism, and grow in humble love and service to others
For the health of Pope Francis, and for all who carry heavy burdens, especially those burdened by guilt, shame, or discouragement or serious illness, that they may encounter compassionate hearts and experience Christ’s mercy and healing
For all the faithful departed, that having humbled themselves before the Lord, they may be exalted in the joy and peace of heaven, especially N.
Father, help us to humble ourselves before you and root out all that separates us from your love. Hear and answer these prayers we offer today with hearts sincerely seeking you, through Christ our Lord.
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