Much Ado About Nothing

~~~ Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 ~~~ Psalm 50 ~~~ Matthew 23:1-12 ~~~

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;

but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

It is not possible to have a new heart and a new spirit

unless you admit your need and desire.

If we do not admit to our own sinfulness 

we will not see the need for anything to change.

The scribes and Pharisees were quite proud 

of their position in the community and their accomplishments.

They wanted to be given proper recognition.

They expected special seating in places of honor.

They expected to be greeted as Rabbi.

They paraded in their fine robes and long tassels to be seen by all. 

Jesus came on the scene and said all of this is just
much ado about nothing.

How you look is not what matters.

What people call you is insignificant.

Where you sit is inconsequential.

Is it your actions that speak volumes of who you really are?

How you treat others, not what you say about them?
Rather you must search your heart for the
real intention for your actions.

All their works are performed to be seen.

Jesus poked holes in everything about them...

in how they presented themselves...
how they dressed...their position of authority.

Do you hide behind external actions under
the guise of being more pious?
Is God going to love me more if I do...?

The truth is there is nothing
we can 'do' to make God love us more.
Honestly, how much more love
do you think God could give you?

He sacrificed all out of love for you.
Every Lent we are reminded in a very clear way
just how deep his love for us runs.

Jesus accepted his mission to love us unconditionally.
Are there people in your life that you love unconditionally?

If you have children it may very well be in that love
 that you can find meaning as just how much God's love is for you.

Perhaps it is the love you have for your pet.
We love our pets with unconditional love.
Truly what can a pet give back to you?

Consider today how God's love for you
is represented in how you love.

Blessings from God
 must emerge from within your heart.

The heart that loves in any capacity
cannot be a stony heart.

~~~Peace~~~