You hypocrites!

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Ephesians 4:32 -- 5:8 Psalm 1:1-4, 6 Luke 13:10-17

Luke 13:15  Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead it away to water it?

We can certainly see that the leaders of the people will often demand that we pay and follow rules that they themselves will not.  We must not expect others to do what we are not willing to do.  If we want people to be righteous, then we must be righteous.  If we want others to be generous, then we must be generous.  If we want others to lay down and let the evil take over without a fight, then all we need to do is let it happen.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to always seek first to be righteous myself before I expect it from  others.  Help me to be an agent of your love and of faith.

Amen