Don Bosco Philippines South Province

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” Mt 23:9b, 10b

31st Sunday Ordinary Time Cycle A

There was an advertisement that said, “Sa mata ng bata, ang gawa ng matanda ay laging tama”. It showed a kid bewildered on seeing his father stealing money from the mother’s wallet.

Children learn by modelling. This means they only do what they see their adults are doing. They cannot yet decide whether an action is good or bad and so whatever the adult does is good. There is therefore an urgent need for adults to be cautious of their actions in front of the young.

Jesus warned His disciples of the same thing when He was speaking of the Pharisees. “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” Mt 23:9b, 10b

In brief, look more at actions but not words from people. The governor of Cebu said a similar thing when she boasted “Ang buhat namo mao ang among pasultihon”. Actions have clearer message and more impact on the viewer. If you want a small child to learn how to write, you must demonstrate to him with pen and paper how to write.

The prophet Malachi warns us of impending curse on those who fail to keep God’s ways. He spoke for Yahweh by saying  “I will send a curse upon you. You have caused many to falter by your instruction. since you do not keep my ways,”Instructions are wanting if one does not keep the way of the Lord. Mal 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10

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