TODAY’S WORD…

Jesus said, “This people honours me only with lip-service, while their hearts are far from me. The worship they offer me is worthless…”

– Mark 7:6-7

REFLECTION…

These accusatory words are uttered by Jesus when He quotes from the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 29.

He is severely rebuking those who are hypocritical – offering lip-service to God when their hearts are very far away from Him and from His teachings.

As we reflect on this rebuke, we should avoid applying it to others – we should, rather, relate it to ourselves, and look at our own attitude towards God’s commandments.

This rebuke from Jesus, can help us look closer within ourselves and consider whether any falsity becomes apparent when we compare our public religiosity to the way we truly live our private lives.

PRAYER…

Father in heaven,

You know all there is in my heart;

You know my mind, my thoughts, my words, my deeds;

You know me like nobody else does.

You know me more than I know myself!

Lord, I want to be genuine – not two-faced –

with You, with anyone.

I want to obey and live Your Commandments

because I know they are the truth,

I know they reflect Your amazing love for me

and Your desire to get me safely through this passage of life

and to join You in Your heavenly Kingdom.

Father, help me love and worship You in truth.  Amen.