Even though she was not a daughter of Israel, Ruth is one of a few women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. We see how she wound up in the line of the Messiah in today’s first reading.
In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 23, Jesus warns the disciples not to be like the scribes and Pharisees. He says, “Do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but do not practice.” Ouch.
I’m sure you’ve heard the old expression, “Do as I say, not as I do.” It is, of course about hypocrisy. Jesus was warning the Apostles to lead by example. It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking that, as a leader, you get to live by a different set of rules than those you lead. Let’s pray that we can lead by example, and pray for our leaders as well.
Father, help us to avoid all hypocrisy. May we live what we preach, and lead by example. Amen.
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