In you, Lord, I have found my peace. (see Psalm 131)

Mass readings: Malachi 1:14-2:2,8-10 / 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9,13 / Matthew 23:1-12 

Message and Messenger 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus addresses a situation that plagued the Jewish community of His time and which has been all too familiar to the Church down through the ages. It’s this: When leaders and teachers behave badly, does their behavior nullify or discredit what they teach? His answer is crystal clear: No, it does not. Even though He severely criticizes the haughty, self-centered behavior of the scribes and Pharisees, He still tells His disciples to follow their teachings. 

Why? Because the truth is still the truth. A math teacher might be a serial killer, but when he or she says that two plus two is four, that’s still true and valid. Truth is not guilty by association just because someone teaching it happens to give bad example. 

Prayer: Jesus, help me never forsake Your message because of a messenger.