but not what they do

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23 Matthew 23:1-12

Matthew 23:3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.

This is not something that comes to us naturally. We are more likely to say, if they can do it then so can I. Or we may say that since they are not as righteous as we think they should be we don't have to listen to their words, they certainly are not capable of being leaders.
But, Jesus calls us to not only obey our leaders, but then to not act like they do when they do wrong. Another words, we have no excuse to justify our wrong deeds. We must honor those whom God allows to have authority and we mist maintain our own righteousness in doing so. You may have heard is said "do as I say and not as I do". This is what we would call hypocritical. But hypocritical or not we are not justified in doing wrong when we know what is right. We have no excuse. It is up to us then to be the example.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to always try to be an example of your righteousness, even when others around me are not, and even when those others are people in authority. Help me to have faith that you will be just and reward those who do right and punish those who do wrong. But Lor, I also that you be merciful to those who seek your mercy.

Amen